The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be an electrifying event, set to take place on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. As the premier power-hitting contest in Major League Baseball, this year's Derby will begin at 8 p.m. ET, featuring a refreshed format and some of the game’s most thrilling sluggers.
Defending champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is expected to bring his powerful swing back to the plate, as he aims to hold on to his title. The 2024 Derby's updated format introduces a unique twist: all eight participants will compete against each other in the first round, setting the stage for an intense showdown right from the start. Each player will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to showcase their home run prowess, with the option to call a timeout during their session.
After the dust settles in the first round, the four players with the highest home run totals will advance to the semifinals. Should a tie occur, the deciding factor will be the longest home run hit. Additionally, players can earn three bonus outs after their initial time or pitch limit and can secure a fourth bonus out by launching a 425-foot home run during bonus time.
Fresh Faces and Returning Icons
This year, the contest will feature new talent and familiar faces. Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles will be making his Home Run Derby debut, bringing a fresh dose of excitement to the event. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has expressed interest in participating, contingent on necessary 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," Ohtani said, highlighting the complexity of his decision.
Fans of the Houston Astros, however, will be disappointed to hear that Yordan Alvarez has opted out of the 2024 Derby. "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment," Alvarez candidly shared. Likewise, Aaron Judge has decided against participating, noting he would only consider returning if the All-Star Game were held in New York.
Structured Brilliance
The semifinal round will see the top four home run hitters from the first round seeded based on their totals. The matchups will pit the top seed against the fourth seed and the second against the third, maintaining the same time and pitch constraints as the first round: three minutes or 40 pitches, with one timeout.
The grand finale will intensify the competition further, reducing the time or pitch limit to two minutes or 27 pitches, along with a single timeout. Here, the player who smashes the most home runs will walk away with the coveted title, etching their name into Derby lore.
As the event returns to Texas, Globe Life Field will undoubtedly buzz with anticipation and excitement. The combination of seasoned hitters and emerging talents sets the stage for a memorable night. This year's Home Run Derby promises not only to showcase baseball's finest power hitters but also to captivate fans with its competitive spirit and thrilling new structures. The countdown to July 15 has begun, and the anticipation will only soar as the date approaches.