The 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be a thrilling event, with Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, setting the stage for the annual spectacle on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET. This year’s event promises to be an electrifying affair, featuring top sluggers vying for supremacy in a format designed to maximize excitement and competition.
Format and Mechanics
All eight participants in the Derby will compete head-to-head in the first round, each getting three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever marker comes first. They also have the option to call one timeout during this period. The top four home run hitters from this stage will advance to the next round, ensuring that only the most prolific power hitters make it to the latter stages.
In a unique twist to break any potential ties, the longest home run distance will be the deciding factor. Once the initial round is complete, each player will receive three bonus outs, with an additional fourth bonus out available if they slug a home run that travels at least 425 feet during the bonus time.
Competitive Edge
As the competition heats up, the semifinal round transitions to head-to-head matchups featuring the remaining top four sluggers. This bracket will determine who moves to the final round, which is set to be even more intense with a reduced time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches. The participant with the most home runs in the final round will be crowned the champion of the 2024 Home Run Derby.
Confirmed Participants
The list of confirmed athletes for this year’s Derby includes some of the most exciting talents in baseball. Gunnar Henderson was the first to commit, announcing his participation on June 30. Joining him is Alex Bohm, who solidified his spot in the lineup on July 5. Both players are expected to bring plenty of firepower to the mound in Arlington.
Veteran home run hitter Pete Alonso, renowned for his power and consistency, has also been confirmed. Alonso, who has been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, will be making his fifth appearance in the Home Run Derby. Notably, Alonso has already tasted victory twice, having won the title in 2019 and 2021, and will undoubtedly be one of the favorites to watch.
Teoscar Hernández has shown interest in joining the competition, adding to the buzz surrounding the event. However, not all the big names in baseball are eager to participate this year. Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby champion, has opted out of the 2024 competition. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the latter of whom won the 2022 Derby, have also declined to participate.
Injuries and Recovery
Shohei Ohtani, one of the most electrifying players in the major leagues, had initially expressed interest in participating again in this year’s Derby. However, Ohtani is currently recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, and his current rehabilitation process seems to be a significant consideration in his decision-making. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani mentioned, clarifying his likely absence from the competition.
Similarly, Juan Soto firmly stated, "No, not this year," when asked about his participation, definitively putting to rest any speculation about his joining the lineup for the 2024 event.
Anticipation Builds
As the countdown to July 15 continues, anticipation for the Home Run Derby intensifies. Globe Life Field will undoubtedly be abuzz with energy as fans eagerly await to see if new talent will rise or if seasoned champions like Pete Alonso will clinch another victory. With a mix of experienced heavy hitters and emerging stars, this year's Home Run Derby is poised to deliver unforgettable moments, heart-pounding action, and plenty of dramatic long balls.
Mark your calendars and get ready to witness some of baseball’s finest sluggers in action as they aim to outdo each other in a contest that promises to be as thrilling as it is competitive. The 2024 Home Run Derby in Arlington, Texas, is set to be a showcase of power, precision, and pure baseball prowess.