As the summer of 2024 approaches, baseball fans eagerly anticipate one of the most electrifying events of the season: the Home Run Derby. Scheduled to take place on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, this year's Derby will be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the home stadium of the Texas Rangers.
The format for the 2024 Home Run Derby promises intense competition and thrilling moments. All eight participants will vie against each other in the first round, each given three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to showcase their power. Players are allowed one timeout during their time at bat. The four top home run hitters from this round will advance to the semifinals.
One of the unique aspects of the Derby this year is the method for breaking ties: the longest home run distance will determine who advances. Furthermore, participants will earn three bonus outs after their initial three minutes or 40 pitches. There is an added incentive: if a player hits a home run of 425 feet or more during this bonus time, they can earn a fourth bonus out.
The semifinal round shifts to head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers. The culmination will be the final round, which features a time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches, and the player with the most home runs in the finals will be crowned the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.
The Lineup and Notable Participants
Anticipation for this year's Derby began to build when Gunnar Henderson, the first confirmed participant, announced his commitment on June 30. Hot on his heels was Alex Bohm, who joined the lineup on July 5. One of the biggest names in the lineup is undoubtedly Pete Alonso, who has made his mark in past Derbies and is participating for the fifth time. Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion (2019 and 2021), will also be making his fourth career All-Star Game appearance this year.
Fans have also been intrigued by statements from other elite hitters. Teoscar Hernández has shown a keen interest in participating, adding another layer of excitement to the event. However, not all big names will be present. Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby winner, has opted out of this year's competition. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, will both skip the Derby. Soto simply remarked, "No, not this year," while Alvarez's reasons were assumed to be personal.
Shohei Ohtani, a star who initially expressed interest in participating again, has since withdrawn from the event. Ohtani, recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, explained, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating." His absence will be felt, as Ohtani is one of the most dynamic players in Major League Baseball.
Venue and Historical Context
Globe Life Field, hosting its first Home Run Derby, is expected to add a unique flavor to the competition. Its dimensions and climate conditions could provide both challenges and opportunities for the participants. The venue, inaugurated in 2020, has quickly become a favorite among players and fans alike for its modern amenities and dynamic atmosphere.
This year's Derby is particularly notable given recent trends. Past Derbies have provided thrilling spectacles and unforgettable moments, with each event further elevating the stature of the competition. Fans can expect nothing less from this year's installment as the best power hitters in baseball showcase their skills in a bid to etch their names in Home Run Derby history.
Looking Ahead
With an exciting roster of participants and a format designed to maximize drama and competition, the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field promises to be a highlight of the baseball season. Whether it's the veterans like Pete Alonso showcasing their seasoned prowess or newer faces like Gunnar Henderson and Alex Bohm looking to make their mark, the event is set to captivate audiences around the world. As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build, ensuring that this year's Home Run Derby will be an unforgettable spectacle of power and precision.