Excitement is building for the 2024 Home Run Derby, an electrifying event that will take place on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET, this showcase of baseball's premier power hitters is sure to captivate fans around the world.
The 2024 edition features some notable modifications to its format, adding a fresh twist to this iconic event. All eight participants will go head-to-head in the first round, providing an intense, competitive start. Each player will have three minutes—or a maximum of 40 pitches—to hit as many home runs as possible, with the option to call a single timeout. The top four sluggers based on home run totals will then advance to the semifinals. In the event of a tie, the player with the longest home run will advance, adding an extra layer of suspense.
Several celebrated players have already committed to participating, promising a thrilling contest. Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles is set to make his Derby debut, bringing his rising star power to the event. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has expressed a keen interest in participating, though his involvement hinges on receiving approvals from medical staff and team management. "I have to get an offer (to participate) first. I'm also rehabilitating, so I need the doctor's approval and the trainers' approval and the team's approval. Of course, I have feelings of wanting to do it. I think any player would. I think it depends on how it lines up with the other parts," Ohtani stated.
However, the Derby will miss the presence of some big names. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros has chosen not to participate this year, stating, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Additionally, Aaron Judge has opted out, hinting that he might reconsider only if the All-Star Game is held in New York.
The semifinals will see the four players who advance from the first round being seeded 1 through 4 based on their home run totals. The top seed will face the fourth seed, while the second-highest slugger will challenge the third seed. The same time and pitch restrictions apply in this round—three minutes or 40 pitches, along with a single timeout.
The drama heightens in the final round, where the two remaining competitors will battle it out with even more stringent limitations: two minutes or 27 pitches, accompanied by just one timeout. The player with the highest tally of home runs in this decisive round will be crowned the Home Run Derby champion.
Another intriguing aspect of the Derby is the system of bonus outs. After the initial time or pitch limit, each contestant earns three bonus outs. An additional fourth bonus out can be secured by hitting a 425-foot home run during this bonus time, encouraging players to unleash their most powerful swings.
All eyes will be on defending champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who will seek to retain his title against a field of hungry challengers. The 2024 Home Run Derby promises not only a display of immense power but also strategic thinking, endurance, and the ever-present possibility of upsets.
As the day approaches, fans are eagerly speculating about potential surprises and memorable moments. Globe Life Field, known for its hitter-friendly dimensions, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the spectacle, setting the stage for potentially record-breaking performances.
This year’s Home Run Derby is shaping up to be a definitive highlight of the baseball calendar, embodying the thrill, unpredictability, and sheer joy of America's pastime.