The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby is already building as the event is set to take place on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The showcase of power will commence at 8 p.m. ET, bringing together the best sluggers in Major League Baseball for a night of jaw-dropping home runs.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the defending champion, is set to return, aiming to defend his title in a revamped format that promises to elevate the excitement to new heights. All eight participants will compete against each other in the first round, which will be a test of endurance and power. Each player will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible, with the provision of one timeout to catch their breath.
The four leading home run hitters will advance to the semifinals based on their first-round performances. Any ties will be decided by the longest home run hit, adding another layer of strategy and drama to the competition. Following their initial timed round, players can earn three bonus outs, with an additional bonus out available if a 425-foot homer is hit during the bonus time.
Semifinal Showdowns
The semifinal round will see the top four sluggers seeded according to their first-round home run totals. The top seed will face off against the fourth seed, while the second and third seeds will battle it out in classic semifinal matchups. The same three-minute or 40-pitch limit and single timeout rule will apply, ensuring that consistency and stamina are rewarded.
As the competition heats up, the final round will feature the top two performers from the semifinals. Here, the players will have two minutes or 27 pitches to leave it all on the field, with one crucial timeout. The player who outlasts and out-hits his opponent in this pressurized moment will be crowned the Home Run Derby champion.
New Faces and Notable Absences
This year’s Derby introduces fresh faces to the spotlight, including Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles, who will be making his first appearance. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels has expressed interest in participating, though his involvement hinges on multiple 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 noted.
However, the event will miss out on the presence of Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros and Aaron Judge. Alvarez admitted, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment," while Judge has decided against participating this year, mentioning he would consider returning if the All-Star Game were held in New York.
As we edge closer to the Derby, the field of competitors and the new rules set the stage for an exhilarating evening of baseball. Fans can expect fierce competition and unforgettable moments as the sluggers step up to the plate with their eyes on the title.