The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby is building as the baseball community looks forward to another electrifying display of power hitting. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, this year’s event will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
One of the marquee events leading up to the All-Star Game, the Home Run Derby promises excitement with each swing. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the reigning champion, will undoubtedly be the player to watch as he defends his title against a field of fierce competitors.
New Format Changes the Game
This year's Derby features a revised format, designed to heighten the competition. All eight participants will face off against each other in the first round, each granted three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible. To maintain stamina, each player is allowed one timeout during this period.
The top four home run hitters from the first round will advance to the semifinals. In an event where results are often measured in inches and split-second decisions, ties will be broken by the longest home run hit. Additionally, players can earn three bonus outs after the initial time or pitch limit, with a potential fourth bonus out available for hitting a 425-foot home run during bonus time.
The Path to the Finals
During the semifinals, the advancing players are seeded from 1 to 4 based on their first-round home run totals. The top seed will face the fourth seed, and the second seed will compete against the third seed. The same time and pitch restrictions apply in the semifinals: three minutes or 40 pitches, with one crucial timeout available.
The final round will be a true test of endurance and skill, with the time or pitch limit reduced to two minutes or 27 pitches, and only one timeout. The player who hits the most home runs in this shortened period will claim the coveted title.
New Faces and Notable Absences
Among the new faces in this year’s Derby is Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles, who will be making his debut. Another star showing interest is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. His participation is subject to approvals from doctors, trainers, and team management, but he expressed a clear enthusiasm for the challenge. "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," Ohtani said. "I think any player would. I think it depends on how it lines up with the other parts."
On the other side, some prominent sluggers have opted out of the 2024 competition. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros declared, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment," signaling his decision to sit out. Additionally, Aaron Judge, another fan favorite, has ruled out participating unless the All-Star Game takes place in New York.
The Derby is a blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the raw power and sheer talent of its participants. With a new format aimed at maximizing competition and fan engagement, this year’s Home Run Derby is set to be a memorable chapter in the annals of baseball history.