The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby is ramping up as Arlington, Texas gears up to welcome the event. Globe Life Field, home to the Texas Rangers, will serve as the backdrop for one of Major League Baseball’s most electrifying spectacles. Mark your calendars for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, when the top sluggers in the league will compete for ultimate bragging rights.
Format and Rules
The 2024 edition will again embrace the thrilling head-to-head format. Eight participants will slug it out in the opening round, each given three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, and a single timeout. The top four in terms of home runs will advance to the semifinals, while ties will be broken by the longest home run distance.
Once past the first hurdle, the semifinal round intensifies as head-to-head matchups determine who will compete for the final crown. The grand finale will feature a truncated format, with only two minutes or 27 pitches to determine the home run king.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, each participant will receive three bonus outs after their initial three minutes or 40 pitches. A 425-foot blast during this period can earn the hitter a fourth bonus out, potentially swinging the competition in their favor.
Confirmed Participants
Gunnar Henderson set the ball rolling, confirming his participation on June 30. Joining him on July 5 was Alex Bohm, adding another layer of intrigue to the lineup. Pete Alonso, celebrated for his power and consistency, has been selected for his fourth All-Star Game and will be competing in his fifth Home Run Derby. Alonso’s history with the event is illustrious, having secured titles in 2019 and 2021.
Teoscar Hernández has also expressed interest in participating, intriguing fans with the prospect of witnessing his hitting prowess on a grand stage. As the date approaches, additional confirmations are expected to join this already competitive lineup.
Notable Absences
The Derby will miss some prominent names this time around. Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby champion, has opted out. Last participating in 2017, his absence will be felt by many fans who recall his towering home runs.
Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto have also decided to sit out this year. Soto, who won the Derby in 2022, simply stated, "No, not this year." Adding to the list of absentees, Shohei Ohtani, who initially showed interest, is focusing on his recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani said.
Anticipation Builds
The Home Run Derby remains a marquee event on the MLB calendar, and the 2024 edition promises to deliver all the drama and spectacle fans have come to expect. With a mix of experienced sluggers and rising stars, the stage is set for a memorable showdown under the lights at Globe Life Field.
Whether it's the strategic use of timeouts, the impact of bonus outs, or the sheer power on display, each element contributes to the allure of the Derby. As the participants prepare, fans will eagerly await July 15, ready to witness who will etch their name into the annals of Home Run Derby history.