The 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be an electrifying event, as it brings together some of the brightest stars in baseball for a night of high-octane action. This year’s spectacle will take place on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with the first pitch set to fly at 8 p.m. ET.
Among the participants, all eyes will be on the defending champion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who aims to retain his title amidst fierce competition. The updated format promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats, featuring a first round where all eight participants compete head-to-head.
New Format Promises Intense Competition
In the first round, each player will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to belt out as many home runs as possible, with the provision for one timeout. The top four home run hitters will advance to the semifinals, where tiebreakers will be determined by the longest home run.
Players earn three bonus outs after reaching their initial time or pitch limit. Additionally, a fourth bonus out can be secured by launching a 425-foot homer during the bonus time, adding another layer of strategic excitement to the contest.
Semifinals and Beyond
In the semifinal round, the four remaining players will be seeded based on their first-round totals, leading to matchups where the top seed faces off against the fourth seed, and the second seed takes on the third. The same time and pitch restrictions from the first round apply here, ensuring consistency and fairness throughout the competition.
As the stakes get higher, the final round trims the limit to two minutes or 27 pitches per player, again including a single timeout. The player who emerges with the most home runs will be crowned the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.
Fresh Faces and Familiar Names
Among the fresh faces, Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles will make his debut in the Derby, bringing youthful energy and a powerful swing to the mix. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels has expressed his interest in participating, though with measured caution. "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 shared candidly.
Opting Out
Not everyone is equally enthusiastic, though. Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has decided not to participate this year, stating, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Aaron Judge has also declined to join, indicating he would only consider a return if the All-Star Game were to be held in New York.
As the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling Home Run Derby, fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating a showcase of power, precision, and sheer talent. The combination of seasoned sluggers and eager newcomers guarantees an unforgettable night under the lights at Globe Life Field.