The excitement is building for the 2024 Home Run Derby, set to electrify baseball fans on Monday, July 15. This year's event will unfold at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with the action kicking off at 8 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who returns as the defending champion, aiming to retain his crown in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of power hitting.
In an updated format for the 2024 Derby, all eight participants will face off in a competitive first round. Each slugger will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to launch as many home runs as possible, with the option to take one timeout. The four hitters with the highest home run totals will advance to the semifinal round. If a tie occurs, the longest home run will be the tiebreaker, adding another layer of excitement and strategy to the competition.
After the initial time or pitch limit, players earn three bonus outs, creating opportunities for dramatic comebacks and extended hitting streaks. Additionally, players can earn a fourth bonus out if they manage to hit a 425-foot home run during the bonus time. This dynamic rule change ensures that nearly no lead is safe and encourages participants to aim for those colossal, crowd-pleasing swings.
In the semifinal round, the advancing players will be seeded based on their home run totals from the first round, with matchups pitting the top seed against the fourth seed and the second seed against the third seed. The same time and pitch restrictions—three minutes or 40 pitches, along with one timeout—apply, maintaining the intensity and pacing of the competition.
The final round sees a reduction in the limit, with participants getting two minutes or 27 pitches, and a single timeout to decide who will walk away as the 2024 Home Run Derby champion. The player who tallies the most home runs in this heart-pounding final round will be crowned the winner, concluding a night packed with immense power and incredible athleticism.
The Derby will also see fresh faces, such as Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles, making his debut in this high-stakes setting. Notably, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has expressed interest in participating, subject to receiving the necessary approvals. "I have to get an offer (to participate) first," said Ohtani. "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."
However, some prominent stars have opted out of the 2024 Derby. Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros has decided not to participate, stating that it's "something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Similarly, Aaron Judge will not take part, only considering a return if the All-Star Game is held in New York, reflecting his preference for a specific context to compete in the Derby again.
As the event approaches, anticipation is mounting, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see which slugger will emerge victorious. The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to deliver unforgettable moments, from towering home runs to intense matchups between baseball's most powerful hitters. Globe Life Field is set to be the perfect stage for this spectacular display of skill and strength. Whether a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the festivities, July 15 is a date to mark on the calendar for a night filled with the thrill of America's pastime at its finest.