As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Home Run Derby, fans are gearing up for an electrifying night of power and precision, scheduled to take place on Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The event promises to be a spectacular start to the All-Star festivities, as the best sluggers in Major League Baseball gather to showcase their home run prowess.
The Derby is set to start at 8 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on the defending champion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as he aims to retain his title. The competition will feature a new format that pits all eight participants against each other in the first round. Each hitter will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible, with the option to take a single timeout.
First Round Showdown
The first round will be an intense battle, with only the top four home run hitters advancing to the semifinals. The rules are clear: in the event of a tie, the player who hits the longest home run will move ahead. Adding to the excitement, players can earn three bonus outs after their initial time or pitch limit, and a fourth bonus out is up for grabs if a player smashes a 425-foot home run during the bonus time.
In the semifinals, the players will be seeded based on their first-round totals, with the number one seed taking on the fourth, and the second seed facing the third. The same time and pitch limits apply, keeping the competition fierce and fast-paced.
The Final Round
The grand finale of the Derby will see the two remaining players battling it out under even tighter constraints. The final round reduces the time limit to two minutes or 27 pitches, with each player allowed one timeout. The player who emerges with the most home runs in this round will claim the coveted title.
New Faces and Notable Absences
Several intriguing storylines are set to unfold during this year's Derby. Making his debut in the competition is Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, who will be looking to make a strong impression on the national stage. Another player drawing considerable attention is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani has expressed interest in participating, provided he receives the necessary approvals from his doctors, trainers, and team. "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," said Ohtani.
Not everyone shares Ohtani's enthusiasm, however. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros has opted out of the 2024 Derby, saying, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Adding to the list of notable absences is Aaron Judge, who has declared that he will only consider participating if the All-Star Game is held in New York. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the absence of these heavy hitters impacts the dynamic of the competition.
With the new format and a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, the 2024 Home Run Derby is poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle. As Globe Life Field prepares to host this iconic event, the stage is set for an unforgettable night of baseball's best sluggers striving to solidify their legacy in the annals of Home Run Derby history.