As the excitement builds for the 2024 Home Run Derby, baseball enthusiasts across the nation are eager to see top sluggers step up to the plate at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The event, scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle as eight participants compete under the bright lights of the Texas Rangers’ home turf.
The Format
The competition’s format this year ensures a dynamic showdown between baseball's premier power hitters. In the first round, all eight participants will compete against each other. Each contestant is allotted three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, and is permitted one timeout to regroup and strategize. The four top home run hitters will advance to the next round, with ties being decided by the longest home run distance.
In a bid to intensify the competition, participants will be granted three bonus outs following the initial three minutes or 40 pitches. Additionally, sluggers can earn a fourth bonus out by hitting a 425-foot home run during the bonus time, adding a layer of strategy and showmanship to the event.
The semifinal round intensifies with head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers. The climactic final round will see the remaining two competitors face off within a tightened frame: two minutes or 27 pitches. The participant with the most home runs in the final will be crowned the winner, cementing their legacy in Home Run Derby history.
Confirmed Star Participants
The anticipation is only heightened by the star-studded lineup confirmed for this year’s derby. Gunnar Henderson was the first to commit, announcing his participation on June 30. His willingness to compete sets the tone for the event as fans eagerly await his performance. Additionally, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5, further bolstering the field of competitors.
Undoubtedly, one of the major attractions will be Pete Alonso, who has been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game. Alonso, a darling of the Home Run Derby, has won the title twice before – in 2019 and 2021 – and will be participating in his fifth derby. His experience and past successes make him a formidable presence and a fan favorite to watch.
Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernández has expressed his interest in participating in the derby, adding another potential heavy hitter to the mix.
Notable Absentees
However, the 2024 Home Run Derby will be missing a few big names. Aaron Judge, the reigning champion of the 2017 Derby, has decided not to participate this year. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto have also opted out. Soto, who claimed victory in the 2022 Home Run Derby, simply stated, "No, not this year."
Another hopeful was Shohei Ohtani, whose electrifying participation would have surely drawn immense interest. However, Ohtani, who is recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, confirmed he would not compete, saying, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating."
The Anticipation Builds
As the date draws near, the excitement surrounding the 2024 Home Run Derby continues to mount. With a mix of seasoned veterans and eager newcomers, the event promises to be an unforgettable evening of power hitting and dramatic moments. Fans nationwide will be tuning in, eager to see who will rise to the occasion and who will etch their name in the annals of Home Run Derby lore. Globe Life Field is set to host a night of spectacular sluggers, and baseball fans couldn't ask for more.