The 2024 Home Run Derby promises a thrilling spectacle for baseball fans, with Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, hosting the much-anticipated event on Monday, July 15. The competition, set to start at 8 p.m. ET, will see the sport's top sluggers battling it out for glory.
An Exciting New Format
This year's Derby introduces an updated format designed to maximize excitement and fairness. All eight participants will compete against each other in the first round, which will span three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches per player, accompanied by one timeout. The four leading home run hitters from this round will advance to the semifinals.
In case of a tie, the longest home run will serve as the deciding factor. Furthermore, players can earn three bonus outs after the initial time or pitch limit, with an additional fourth bonus out available if they smash a 425-foot home run during bonus time.
Semi-finals and Final Showdown
The semifinal round will see the advancing four players seeded 1-4 based on their first-round home run totals. The matchups will pair the top seed against the fourth seed and the second seed against the third seed. The same time and pitch restrictions apply in the semifinals: three minutes or 40 pitches, with one timeout per player.
The tension will mount in the final round where the limit is reduced to two minutes or 27 pitches, with a single timeout. The player hitting the most home runs in the final round will be crowned the champion.
Star Participants and Notable Absences
Last year's champion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., returns to defend his title. However, the lineup sees some fresh faces and notable absences. Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles will make his Derby debut, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the competition.
Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels has expressed interest in participating, yet remains cautious due to his physical condition and 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 explained, outlining the hurdles he faces before committing to the Derby.
On the other hand, Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has opted out of this year’s event, candidly stating, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Similarly, Aaron Judge has decided to sit out, reserving his participation for a future Derby only if the All-Star Game is held in New York.
The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to deliver an electrifying evening as baseball's heavy hitters slug it out for the title. With a revamped format and a mix of returning champions and eager newcomers, fans are in for a night of high-stakes drama under the lights at Globe Life Field.