The countdown to one of Major League Baseball's most exhilarating events has begun. The 2024 Home Run Derby is set to captivate fans on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The event, which traditionally serves as a thrilling precursor to the All-Star Game, will commence at 8 p.m. ET, promising an evening of spectacular slugging and heart-pounding drama.
Defending champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will aim to defend his title against a field that promises to be both competitive and entertaining. This year, the Derby features a new format that ups the ante for all involved. All eight participants will slug it out in a head-to-head first round, vying for a spot in the semifinals.
New Format and Rules
The first round will see each contestant have up to three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible, with one timeout at their disposal to catch a breather. The top four home run hitters from this round will advance to the semifinals based on their first-round results. Should there be a tie, the longest home run will be the tiebreaker, adding an extra layer of excitement and pressure.
As the competition intensifies, participants will also have the opportunity to earn additional chances with bonus outs. After reaching the initial time or pitch limit, players will receive three bonus outs. Moreover, those who manage to send a ball flying 425 feet or more during the bonus time can secure a fourth bonus out, a dynamic twist that could turn the tide of the competition.
In the semifinal round, the advancing four players will be seeded 1-4 based on their home run totals from the first round, leading to matchups between the top seed and the fourth seed, as well as the second seed and the third seed. The same time and pitch restrictions apply, maintaining the pressure and excitement through to the final stage of the competition.
The Final Showdown
The ultimate round will pit the two semifinal winners against each other under slightly different rules: a reduced time of two minutes or 27 pitches, with the usual single timeout. The player who emerges with the most home runs in this final round will be crowned the Derby champion, walking away with not just the trophy but also the glory that comes with it.
Star-Studded Lineup
New faces and seasoned stars will light up the event. Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles is set to make his debut in the Derby, adding fresh excitement to the lineup. Meanwhile, Japan's sensation Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels has expressed a keen interest in participating, although his participation hinges on several approvals and his rehabilitation status. "I have to get an offer (to participate) first," Ohtani said. "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."
However, not all top sluggers are ready to take on the challenge. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros has chosen to sit out the 2024 Derby. When asked about his decision, Alvarez simply stated, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Additionally, Aaron Judge has decided not to participate, indicating he would only consider returning if the All-Star Game were held in New York.
As the event draws nearer, anticipation continues to build. The revamped format, the blend of veteran and new talent, and the ever-present potential for extraordinary feats of power promise an unforgettable night. For fans and players alike, the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field is set to be a highlight of the baseball season, blending tradition with thrilling innovation.