The excitement is building as the 2024 Home Run Derby approaches, slated to be an electrifying event on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the home ground of the Texas Rangers. With the stage set for an epic showdown, eight participants will battle for home run supremacy, bringing a night of high stakes and towering hits.
Format and Rules: A High-Octane Challenge
The derby kicks off with all eight sluggers competing in the first round against each other. According to the rules, each participant will have three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to smash as many home runs as possible. They will also be allowed one timeout to catch their breath and strategize.
The four top home run hitters from the first round will advance to the semifinal round, which will feature head-to-head matchups. The stakes then get even higher as these four battle it out for a spot in the final. The final round is slightly shorter, with a two-minute or 27-pitch limit, culminating in a winner-takes-all scenario where the player with the most home runs will be crowned the champion.
To spice things up, each participant will receive three bonus outs after the initial three minutes or 40 pitches. A player can earn a coveted fourth bonus out if they send a spectacular 425-foot home run soaring during their bonus time. In the event of a tie, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker.
Confirmed Participants and Absentees
The roster for the 2024 Home Run Derby is already building excitement. Gunnar Henderson was the first to confirm his participation, making his commitment public on June 30. He was soon followed by Alex Bohm, who joined the lineup on July 5. Fan favorite Pete Alonso will also be stepping up to the plate. Having been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, Alonso is no stranger to the derby, having won the event in 2019 and 2021. This year marks his fifth appearance in the Home Run Derby, adding to the anticipation of another remarkable performance.
However, not every big name in baseball will be making an appearance. Teoscar Hernández, though interested, is yet to confirm his participation. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, who last participated in the Derby in 2017 (and took home the title that year), has decided to sit this one out. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto have also decided to skip the event. Juan Soto, the winner of the 2022 Home Run Derby, confirmed his absence succinctly, stating "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani: The Uncertain Star
Another name that has fans buzzing is Shohei Ohtani. Initially, Ohtani expressed interest in participating in the Derby again, but the star’s situation has been complicated by his recent elbow surgery in September 2023. Addressing his likely absence, Ohtani explained, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating." This uncertainty leaves fans wondering whether Ohtani will make a last-minute decision to join the hallowed tradition of power hitting.
As the date draws closer, anticipation continues to ramp up. Globe Life Field is set to turn into a battleground of baseball prowess, showcasing some of the game's best hitters under the bright lights of one of MLB’s marquee events. With seasoned participants like Pete Alonso aiming to add another trophy to his collection and rising stars like Gunnar Henderson looking to make a name for themselves, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises a night of unforgettable moments and mammoth swings.