The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be an electrifying event. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, the spotlight will shine on Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, home of the Texas Rangers. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see who will emerge as the derby champion.
The Battlefield: Globe Life Field
Globe Life Field, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is an ideal venue for this year's competition. The stadium has been buzzing with preparations to ensure an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike.
Format and Rules
The Derby will commence with all eight participants competing in the first round. Each contender will be allotted three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever threshold is reached first, complemented by a timeout. The top four hitters from this round, based on their home run counts, will proceed to the next stage.
In the event of ties, the distance of the longest home run will serve as the tiebreaker. The initial round is followed by three bonus outs per player. Should a batter hit a 425-foot home run during this bonus period, they earn an additional out, bringing their advantage total to four bonus outs.
Progression to the Final
The semifinal round will feature head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers. The anticipation will mount as the competition narrows down to these elite hitters. The final showdown contains a twist: contenders will face a time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches. In this intense round, the player who belts the most home runs will claim victory and etch their name in Home Run Derby history.
Confirmed Participants and Noteworthy Absences
The array of participants already announced adds a thrilling dynamic to the event. Gunnar Henderson declared his participation on June 30, becoming the first confirmed hitter for the 2024 Derby. Joining him on July 5 was Alex Bohm, another formidable contender. Evergreen participant Pete Alonso, fresh off his selection for his fourth career All-Star Game, brings experience and prestige; Alonso has already clinched Derby victories in 2019 and 2021 and will be making his fifth appearance.
However, not all big names are making an appearance. Teoscar Hernández has shown interest in participating, but Aaron Judge, a notable absentee, has opted out of the 2024 Derby. Judge previously won the title in 2017. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, have also chosen to skip this year's event. Soto clarified his decision simply: "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani's Status
Shohei Ohtani initially expressed an interest in returning to the Derby. However, his recovery from elbow surgery, performed in September 2023, has rendered his participation unlikely. Ohtani explained his situation, stating, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating."
With these new developments, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be a multifaceted and gripping contest. With star-studded participants, an iconic venue, and the thrill of power hitting, fans can expect a night of spectacle and sportsmanship.