The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be an exciting spectacle as it heads to Arlington, Texas. Set to take place at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers, this event will unfurl on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET. Fans and players alike are gearing up for an evening where the sport’s premier power hitters will showcase their talents in one of baseball’s most anticipated annual events.
One of the distinguishing features of this year’s derby is the structure of the competition. All eight participants will compete in the first round, each having three minutes or up to 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as they can, with one timeout per participant. The top four home run hitters from this initial round will move on to the semifinals. Notably, ties during the event will be broken by the longest home run distance, adding an extra layer of excitement.
In a fresh twist, participants will also have the opportunity to earn additional swings. After the initial three minutes or 40 pitches, each player will get three bonus outs. Additionally, players can earn a fourth bonus out with a home run of at least 425 feet during this bonus time. The semifinals will then feature head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers, leading to an electrifying final round with a shorter time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches.
Confirmed Participants
The lineup for the 2024 Home Run Derby is already stirring excitement among fans. Gunnar Henderson was the first to throw his hat into the ring, announcing his commitment on June 30. Henderson's enthusiasm set the stage for others to follow, with Alex Bohm joining the lineup on July 5.
Pete Alonso, a towering figure in Home Run Derby history, is also set to participate. Selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, Alonso comes with significant pedigree, having won the derby in 2019 and 2021. This year’s event will mark his fifth appearance, and given his past performances, expectations are high. Teoscar Hernández has also shown interest in participating, adding to the level of competition and excitement.
Notable Absences
However, not all the big names will be making an appearance. Aaron Judge, who won the Home Run Derby title in 2017, has opted out of the 2024 event. This decision leaves a notable void, considering Judge's past performance and fan following. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto will be skipping the derby this year. Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, simply stated, "No, not this year," when asked about his participation.
Shohei Ohtani, who initially expressed interest in joining the derby, is another absentee. Ohtani, recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, remarked, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating." His absence is undoubtedly a disappointment for many, given his stature and popularity in the baseball world.
With such a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Fans can look forward to a night where sheer power and skill take center stage, celebrating the very essence of baseball’s long-ball tradition. As the stage is set at Globe Life Field, anticipation continues to build for what might be one of the most competitive derbies in recent memory.