As the excitement builds for the 2024 Home Run Derby, fans are eagerly anticipating a showcase of power hitting at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, the event promises to deliver thrilling moments with a blend of established heavy hitters and rising stars. The Derby, known for its dramatic displays of raw power, will once again take center stage with the majestic Globe Life Field serving as the battlefield.
Structure and Rules
The format for this year's event ensures maximum excitement across all its stages. Eight participants will compete in the first round, each given the opportunity to swing for the fences within a three-minute window or after 40 pitches, whichever arrives first. Each hitter is allowed one timeout to catch their breath and strategize. The top four home run hitters will advance to the next round, with ties settled by the longest home run distance.
Once past the first round, participants will earn three bonus outs after the initial three minutes or 40 pitches. An additional fourth bonus out is available for any slugger who can send the ball flying at least 425 feet during their bonus time. The semifinal round will feature head-to-head matchups among the top four home run hitters, further heightening the competition.
The Derby culminates in a final round battle, where the two remaining hitters have two minutes or 27 pitches to outslug each other. The player who sends the most balls over the fence in this time will be crowned the winner of the 2024 Home Run Derby.
Confirmed Participants
Young talent Gunnar Henderson was the first to confirm his participation, making his commitment on June 30. Henderson's decision was followed by Alex Bohm, who joined the lineup on July 5. These promising talents will share the field with more experienced sluggers like Pete Alonso.
Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby winner, having secured titles in 2019 and 2021, is set to make his fifth appearance in this marquee event. Additionally, this selection marks Alonso's fourth career All-Star Game appearance, further cementing his reputation as one of the game's premier power hitters.
Missing Veterans
While fans will witness new and familiar faces, some notable sluggers have opted out. Teoscar Hernández has shown interest in participating, but big names like Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, and Juan Soto have decided to skip the event this year. Judge last participated in the Derby in 2017, emerging victorious, while Soto claimed the title in 2022.
Judge's decision is notable given his iconic 2017 performance, and Alvarez’s and Soto’s absences are equally significant. "No, not this year," stated Soto, as he confirmed his decision to sit out.
Shohei Ohtani's Status
Shohei Ohtani initially expressed interest in participating in the Derby once again. However, his plans have been thwarted due to a recent elbow surgery he underwent in September 2023. Ohtani is currently in rehabilitation and is unable to compete. Addressing his situation, Ohtani remarked, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating."
Anticipation Builds
Despite the absence of some past champions, the 2024 Home Run Derby is brimming with potential. Fans are eager to see how the mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces will create new rivalries and memorable moments. Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, will surely be alive with the electric atmosphere that only the Derby can generate.
The countdown to July 15 continues as the baseball community looks forward to an evening of jaw-dropping power displays and thrilling competition, highlighting the incredible talent and relentless drive of the participants. Each swing could change the dynamics, and every home run could be the moment fans talk about for years to come. The stage is set; let the Derby begin.