As the summer of 2024 approaches, baseball fans are gearing up for one of the most electrifying events of the season: the Home Run Derby. Set against the backdrop of the Lone Star State, Arlington, Texas, will be the venue for this year's showdown. Globe Life Field, the home turf of the Texas Rangers, will host the spectacle on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET.
Format and Rules
This year's derby will follow a high-stakes format designed to maximize excitement. All eight participants will clash in the first round, each granted three minutes or 40 pitches to showcase their power, with one timeout available. The competition intensifies as the top four home run hitters move on to the next round. In the case of a tie, the longest home run distance will be the deciding factor. Additionally, after the initial three minutes or 40 pitches, each competitor can continue their slugfest with three bonus outs. A remarkable 425-foot home run during this period earns an extra, fourth, bonus out.
The semifinal round features head-to-head matchups between the four sluggers who triumphed in the first round. As the derby progresses to the final round, the time limit is reduced to two minutes or 27 pitches. The player who hits the most home runs in the finals will be crowned the Home Run Derby champion.
Confirmed and Potential Participants
The list of contenders is already generating buzz. Gunnar Henderson was the first to commit to the derby, confirming his participation on June 30. Shortly after, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5. Fans of Pete Alonso will be thrilled to see him back in action; Alonso, a two-time derby champion in 2019 and 2021, is set to compete in his fifth Home Run Derby. Alonso's selection for his fourth career All-Star Game further cements his status as one of the most formidable power hitters in the league.
While some sluggers have eagerly thrown their hats in the ring, others have chosen to sit this one out. Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby winner, has opted not to participate this year, stating his decision earlier in the season. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto share a similar sentiment. Soto, the 2022 champion, succinctly commented, "No, not this year," about his decision to skip the event. Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in joining the lineup, potentially adding another layer of intrigue to the field.
Injury Concerns
Shohei Ohtani, a fan favorite for his dual-threat prowess, initially showed interest in participating. However, Ohtani's recent elbow surgery in September 2023 has put his plans on hold. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani stated, dashing hopes of seeing him in the derby.
With the stage set and the roster beginning to take shape, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to deliver the drama, excitement, and jaw-dropping moments that fans eagerly anticipate each year. As the participants step up to the plate at Globe Life Field, the countdown to July 15 begins in earnest.