The highly anticipated 2024 Home Run Derby is set to electrify baseball fans on July 15. This year’s event, hosted at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, promises to deliver an exciting display of power and precision as the sport’s greatest sluggers compete for the crown. Set to begin at 8 p.m. ET, the Derby will be a showdown of home-run-hitting elite.
Event Structure and Rules
The competition will kick off with all eight participants going head-to-head in the first round. Each slugger will have three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to hit as many home runs as possible. They are allowed a single timeout during this period. At the end of the first round, the top four hitters will advance.
If a tie occurs, it will be broken by the longest home run distance. Adding to the thrill, each player will receive three bonus outs after the initial time or pitch limit and can earn a fourth bonus out if they hit a home run measuring 425 feet or more during the bonus time.
The semifinal round will then feature direct matchups between the surviving four sluggers. The clock runs again, bringing tension and adrenaline as each athlete battles to reach the final round. In the finals, the rules tighten: each player will have just two minutes or 27 pitches to claim the title, with the winner being the one who hits the most home runs.
Confirmed Participants and Notable Absences
The roster for this year’s Derby is shaping up with both seasoned veterans and exciting young talent. Gunnar Henderson was the first to confirm his participation on June 30, marking a significant milestone in his promising career. Shortly after, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5, adding more star power to the event.
Pete Alonso, a fan favorite and a two-time Home Run Derby winner (2019, 2021), will be making his fifth appearance in the competition. Alonso, who has also been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, will undoubtedly aim to reclaim his title and further cement his legacy in Derby history. Teoscar Hernández has also shown interest in participating, potentially adding his powerful swing to the contest.
However, not all the big names are stepping up to the plate this year. Aaron Judge, the 2017 Home Run Derby champion, has opted out of the 2024 event. Yordan Alvarez has also decided not to participate, and Juan Soto, the 2022 champion, will skip the Derby. "No, not this year," Soto confirmed, leaving an open slot for rising stars to make their mark.
Shohei Ohtani initially expressed interest in participating but is focused on his recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani stated, prioritizing his health and future performance over this year’s event.
Anticipation Builds
As July 15 approaches, the buzz surrounding the Home Run Derby grows louder. With its unique blend of raw power and strategic pitching, the event captures the essence of what makes baseball such a beloved sport. The Derby is not just a contest of strength but a demonstration of timing, skill, and mental toughness under the pressure of a ticking clock.
The lineup of participants is set to provide an array of styles and strategies, from the explosive power of Pete Alonso to the anticipated prowess of newcomers like Gunnar Henderson. Fans can expect a thrilling evening of non-stop action as each hitter aims to outdo the last, launching baseballs into the night sky of Arlington.
Whether you're rooting for a veteran reclaiming his throne or a fresh face looking to make history, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to deliver unforgettable moments. As the players step up to the plate and the pitches begin to fly, all eyes will be on Globe Life Field, where the next Home Run Derby champion will be crowned.