The 2024 Home Run Derby is poised to dazzle baseball fans as it touches down in Arlington, Texas, next summer. Set against the backdrop of Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, the Derby will showcase baseball's finest sluggers on Monday, July 15, kicking off at 8 p.m. ET.
The format remains intense and thrilling, ensuring that each moment is packed with power and spectacle. All eight participants will step up to the plate in the first round, aiming to outshine each other. Each batter gets three minutes or 40 pitches—whichever comes first—along with the opportunity for one strategic timeout. In this challenge where every swing counts, the four top home run hitters will move forward to the next round. In case of a tie, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker.
As the Derby advances to the semifinals, the pressure mounts with head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers. Participants will get three bonus outs following their initial three minutes or 40 pitches, and they can earn a fourth bonus out by hitting a 425-foot home run during the bonus time. The climactic final round will be a true test of stamina and power, as players will have a reduced time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches. The participant with the most home runs in the finals will be crowned the winner.
Confirmed Competitors
Among the star-studded lineup, several names have already committed to demonstrating their prowess. Gunnar Henderson was the first to confirm his participation, making his commitment on June 30. Joining him on July 5 was Alex Bohm, adding another layer of excitement to the event.
Pete Alonso, a familiar face and fan favorite, will be marking his fifth appearance in the Home Run Derby. Alonso, with victories in 2019 and 2021, remains a formidable contender. Additionally, Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in joining the lineup, further heightening anticipation.
Notable Absences
While the Home Run Derby promises to deliver unforgettable moments, a few notable players have decided to sit out this year's competition. Aaron Judge, who last claimed the Derby crown in 2017, has opted not to participate in 2024. Star slugger Yordan Alvarez has also elected not to join the Derby. Juan Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, remarked, "No, not this year," indicating his decision to focus elsewhere during this season.
Shohei Ohtani, who initially expressed interest in returning to the Derby, will unfortunately be missing from the event. Recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, Ohtani stated, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating."
Preview and Expectations
As the countdown to July 15 continues, the excitement surrounding the 2024 Home Run Derby only grows. The event not only celebrates raw power and athleticism but also serves as a thrilling midseason spectacle for baseball aficionados. For the participants, the Derby offers a rare opportunity to etch their names into the annals of baseball history while providing fans with explosive, unforgettable moments.
Globe Life Field in Arlington will set the stage for a new chapter in the Home Run Derby saga. With a mix of seasoned Derby veterans like Pete Alonso and emerging talents like Gunnar Henderson, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Fans can expect towering home runs, strategic timeouts, and the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Home Run Derby.
The Home Run Derby has always been more than just a prelude to the All-Star Game; it's a celebration of baseball's most captivating attribute—the power of the home run. As the sluggers prepare to step into the batter's box, all eyes will be on Arlington, Texas, where legends will be made and memories will be forged.