As the anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby builds, fans and players alike are eagerly counting down to one of baseball's most electrifying events. Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, will host the spectacle on Monday, July 15, with the competition set to commence at 8 p.m. ET. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the defending champion, will undoubtedly be a focal point of the event as he looks to retain his crown.
The MLB has tweaked the format for this year's Derby, setting the stage for an exciting showdown. The first round will see all eight participants compete against one another, a low-key revamp aiming to increase head-to-head excitement. Each player will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible, aided by one strategic timeout. The top four home run hitters from this round will advance to the semifinals, determined by their hit totals.
In the case of a tie, the longest home run will serve as the tie-breaker, adding another layer of drama to the proceedings. Participants can earn up to three bonus outs after either the time or pitch limit is reached, with a fourth bonus out up for grabs if a player belts a 425-foot home run during their bonus time.
Semifinal and Final Round Changes
The semifinal stage will adopt the same format but add seeding based on first-round performance. The four advancing players will be ranked 1-4, setting up semifinal matchups of 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3. These rounds will also adhere to the three-minute or 40-pitch limit, supplemented with a single timeout. The final round will cut the clock to two minutes or 27 pitches, maintaining the one-timeout rule.
The player who hammer the most home runs in the final round will be crowned the 2024 Home Run Derby champion, an accolade that carries immense prestige.
An Exciting Roster of Participants
This year’s list of participants adds a fresh twist to the classic event. Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles will be making his debut in the Derby, bringing intrigue and fresh energy to the competition. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has expressed a keen interest in participating, albeit pending necessary approvals from doctors and team trainers. Ohtani remarked, "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."
Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, however, has declined to participate this year, stating, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Aaron Judge has also opted out unless the All-Star Game is hosted in New York, emphasizing his selective nature regarding such commitments.
The combination of new talents and seasoned champions, coupled with the revamped format, sets the stage for a Derby filled with towering homers and unforgettable moments. With Globe Life Field as the backdrop, fans can expect a summer night of raw power and baseball brilliance. All eyes will be glued to the field as each slugger aims for the sky, bringing their best swings in a bid to etch their names into Home Run Derby lore.