Come July 15, the heart of Texas will be pounding to the rhythm of baseballs flying out of Globe Life Field in Arlington, as the 2024 Home Run Derby will take center stage. Set to begin at 8 p.m. ET, the event promises to be a spectacle of athletic prowess and raw power, hosted by the home of the Texas Rangers. This annual tradition, eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike, will once again turn into a battlefield for the league's most prolific sluggers.
Event Structure and Rules
The Derby's format will feature eight participants all competing in the first round, each allocated three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches, with the opportunity for a single timeout. The four top hitters from this round will move forward to the semifinals. Each initial phase will be intense, as ties will be settled by the longest home run distance.
Adding a layer of excitement, each contestant in the first round will be granted three bonus outs after their primary time allocation. An additional bonus out can be secured by hitting a home run of 425 feet or more during the bonus period.
In the semifinal round, the competition heats up with head-to-head matchups that will see the top four sluggers battle for a spot in the final round, which will have a tighter time constraint of two minutes or 27 pitches. The Derby will culminate with the player who hits the most home runs in the final round emerging victorious.
Confirmed Participants
The anticipation builds as the roster of participants begins to take shape. Gunnar Henderson was the first to announce his commitment on June 30, followed by Alec Bohm, who joined the lineup on July 5. Notably, Pete Alonso, a stalwart in the Home Run Derby circuit, will also be returning. An accomplished slugger, Alonso has not only been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game but he has also won the Derby twice, in 2019 and 2021. This year will mark his fifth appearance in the storied competition.
Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in participating, though his official status remains unconfirmed. Aaron Judge, a marquee name in previous Derbies who took the title in 2017, has opted out for 2024. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto—who won the event in 2022—have chosen to skip this year’s competition. Soto, succinctly putting it, stated, "No, not this year."
The Ohtani Factor
Shohei Ohtani, a 2021 participant renowned for his two-way play prowess, initially showed enthusiasm about joining the Derby again. However, his recovery from elbow surgery in September 2023 has proved to be a significant obstacle. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," he conveyed, much to the disappointment of fans hoping to see the star hit monstrous home runs once more.
The Venue and Atmosphere
Globe Life Field, with its modern amenities and expansive seating, will provide an ideal backdrop for the thrilling showcase of power hitting. Known for its retractable roof and climate-controlled environment, the stadium ensures that neither participants nor fans will be subject to the sweltering midsummer Texas heat. This will enable the players to perform at their peak, possibly producing some of the longest home runs ever witnessed in Derby history.
Conclusion
The Home Run Derby stands as an iconic entry in the calendar of Major League Baseball events, unrivaled in its blend of skill, excitement, and fanfare. As July 15 approaches, the excitement in Arlington and the broader baseball community continues to soar. Whether fans are attending in person at Globe Life Field or tuning in through various platforms, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises a night of unforgettable fireworks, both literally and figuratively. Each swing holds the promise of turning the tide, and each cheer from the crowd will echo the timeless thrill of America's favorite pastime.