Home Run Derby 2024 Set for Arlington, Texas
The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be a spectacle for baseball enthusiasts as it heads to Arlington, Texas, on July 15. Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, will serve as the venue for this electrifying event, set to commence at 8 p.m. ET.
This year's Derby is structured to maximize excitement, ensuring that fans are on the edge of their seats from start to finish. All eight participants will compete in the first round against each other, each given three minutes or 40 pitches—whichever comes first—to hit as many home runs as possible. During this time, each batter is allowed one timeout to catch their breath and strategize.
Only the four top hitters from the initial round will advance to the semifinals, which will feature head-to-head matchups. Any ties will be resolved by comparing the longest home run distances hit by the tied competitors. Additionally, participants have a chance to earn a fourth bonus out if they hit a 425-foot home run during the bonus time that comes after the initial round of three minutes or 40 pitches.
The final showdown will spotlight the two remaining sluggers in a battle of power and precision. They will face a heightened challenge with a reduced time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches to seal their victory. The participant with the most home runs in this critical final round will leave Arlington crowned as the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.
Confirmed Participants and Notable Absentees
Gunnar Henderson was the first batter to commit to the 2024 Derby, announcing his participation on June 30. Just a few days later, on July 5, Alex Bohm confirmed he was joining the star-studded lineup. Another standout name is Pete Alonso, making his fifth appearance in the Home Run Derby. The New York Mets slugger, who has secured victories in 2019 and 2021, also boasts selection for his fourth career All-Star Game this year.
While many top-tier players have expressed enthusiasm about the event, others have opted out. Aaron Judge, who last participated and won in 2017, has decided to sit out this year's competition. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the latter of whom won the 2022 Derby, have also chosen not to participate. Soto's decision was straightforward: "No, not this year," he stated.
Ohtani's Recovery and Hernández's Interest
Fans were initially excited about the prospect of Shohei Ohtani making another appearance, but the two-way sensation is still recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. Ohtani addressed his availability candidly, saying, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating."
On a more hopeful note, Teoscar Hernández has shown interest in participating in the event, although his official commitment remains unconfirmed. Hernández’s addition would be a thrilling one, given his powerful hitting capabilities.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be a must-watch event. The combination of dramatic rules, strategic elements, and a stage set in one of baseball's premier parks ensures an unforgettable night for both the players and the fans.
The anticipation continues to build as more players confirm their participation, and as July 15 approaches, the baseball community eagerly awaits a night defined by towering home runs and electric competition. Only time will tell which slugger will rise to the occasion and etch their name in the Home Run Derby lore.