The stage is set for the 2024 Home Run Derby, an event eagerly anticipated by baseball enthusiasts across the globe. This year, the spectacle will take place on Monday, July 15, at the impressive Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The power-packed showdown is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET, promising a night filled with towering home runs and fierce competition.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the reigning champion, is expected to defend his title, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Baseball fans will witness a revamped format for this year's Derby, aiming to heighten the drama and provide a definitive test of power hitting prowess.
New Format Unveiled
The 2024 Home Run Derby will introduce a novel structure, with all eight participants going head-to-head in the first round. Each player will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to impress the judges, with the opportunity to call a single timeout during their turn. This initial round will whittle the field down, as only the top four home run hitters will advance to the semifinals.
In the case of a tie, the longest home run will be the tiebreaker, adding a strategic element to the competition. Players will also have the chance to earn three bonus outs after the designated time or pitch limit, and hitting a home run of 425 feet or more during this period secures a coveted fourth bonus out.
Semifinals and Final Round
The semifinal round will see the four advancing sluggers seeded based on their home run counts from the first round, where the top seed will face off against the fourth seed, and the second will compete against the third. The time and pitch constraints remain identical to the first round, maintaining the three-minute or 40-pitch limit and one timeout.
The intensity reaches its peak in the final round, where the time and pitch allowance reduces to two minutes or 27 pitches, accompanied by a single timeout. The player who manages to hit the most home runs in this decisive round will be crowned the champion of the 2024 Home Run Derby.
A Mix of Newcomers and Veterans
This year's Derby will feature a blend of seasoned participants and fresh faces. Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles is set to make his debut in the event, bringing excitement and raw energy. As for Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels, while he has expressed his enthusiasm to participate, his involvement hinges on several approvals. "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," said Ohtani.
Meanwhile, some notable players have opted out of this year's competition. Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has made it clear that he is not inclined to compete in the 2024 Derby, stating, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Additionally, Aaron Judge has also decided to sit this one out, noting that he would only consider participating if the All-Star Game is held in New York.
As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build. Globe Life Field is poised to host an electrifying event filled with high stakes and breathtaking displays of power and endurance. The 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating the finest talents in baseball's long-ball brigade.