In a highly anticipated summer event, the 2024 Home Run Derby is slated to bring electrifying action to Arlington, Texas. Globe Life Field, home to the Texas Rangers, will set the stage for the event on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET. As fans gear up for an evening of power hitting, the lineup already promises some thrilling matchups.
Format and Rules
The Derby will kick off with all eight participants competing in a single-elimination format in the first round. Each slugger will have three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to showcase their home run prowess. They will also be allowed one timeout. The four batters who hit the most home runs will advance to the semifinals, ensuring that only the most impressive performances move forward.
If any of the matchups result in a tie, the player with the longest home run distance will win the tiebreaker. Moreover, participants can capitalize on bonus outs—three additional swings are granted after the initial time or pitch limit is reached. A further reward awaits any player who manages a 425-foot home run during this bonus period, earning an extra out.
Semifinals and Finals
The semifinals will feature intense head-to-head matchups between the top four hitters. The format for the final round will differ slightly, providing each participant with two minutes or 27 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible. The player who blasts the most home runs in the finals will be crowned the Derby champion.
Confirmed Participants
Among the confirmed participants, Gunnar Henderson stands out as the first to join the lineup. He made his commitment on June 30. Just days later, on July 5, the roster grew with the addition of Alex Bohm. Fans can also look forward to witnessing Pete Alonso's thunderous swings. A seasoned veteran of the event, Alonso will make his fifth appearance in the Home Run Derby.
Alonso is no stranger to success in this competition, having clinched the title twice, in 2019 and 2021. His participation comes on the heels of being selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, adding another accolade to his impressive resume.
Notable Absentees and Potential Participants
While the list of confirmed participants is already stirring excitement, some notable stars have decided to sit this one out. Aaron Judge, a titan of the 2017 Home Run Derby where he emerged victorious, has opted not to participate this year. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto have chosen to skip the event. When asked about his potential participation, Soto simply stated, "No, not this year." Soto could have showcased his 2022 Home Run Derby-winning form but will instead focus on other aspects of his game.
One of the most captivating players in the league, Shohei Ohtani, had initially shown interest in returning to the Derby. However, recuperating from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, Ohtani confirmed he wouldn't be able to participate. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," he explained, prioritizing his recovery timeline.
The Quest for Home Run Glory
The Derby is undeniably one of the most festive and thrilling elements of Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities. While some high-profile names will be absent, the talent pool remains deep, promising a display of outstanding power hitting. Teoscar Hernández has also expressed interest in participating, adding to the suspense of the final lineup.
As the date draws nearer, anticipation continues to build. Whether it's the towering blasts from seasoned Derby veterans like Pete Alonso or the fresh energy from newcomers like Gunnar Henderson, this year's Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington promises to deliver unforgettable moments of baseball brilliance. Fans around the world will be tuning in, eager to witness who will rise to the occasion and be crowned the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.