The excitement is already mounting for the 2024 Home Run Derby as Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, gears up to host the marquee event. On Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, the home of the Texas Rangers will see sluggers from around the league battle it out in one of baseball's most anticipated spectacles.
Competition Format
This year’s Derby will feature eight participants who will compete in the first round against each other. Each player will have three minutes or 40 pitches—whichever comes first—to showcase their power, with the added advantage of one timeout per round. The four hitters with the most home runs will advance to the next round, with ties being resolved by the longest home run hit in the round.
After the initial three minutes or 40 pitches, players will get three bonus outs. Additionally, if a player hits a home run of 425 feet or more during this bonus time, they will earn a fourth bonus out. The semifinals will boil down to head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers, and the final round will present a two-minute or 27-pitch showdown to decide the winner.
Confirmed Participants
As the field begins to take shape, several notable players have already confirmed their participation. Gunnar Henderson was the first to commit, announcing his decision on June 30. Soon thereafter, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5, adding more firepower to the contestant list.
Pete Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion, returns for his fifth appearance. Alonso, who has previously won the event in 2019 and 2021, is also selected for his fourth career All-Star Game this year, adding another accolade to his illustrious resume.
Notable Absentees
While the Derby will showcase some of the league’s brightest stars, a few notable names have opted out of this year's competition. Aaron Judge, who last participated and won in 2017, has decided to sit this one out. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, have similarly chosen not to participate. "No, not this year," said Soto, reflecting on his decision to watch from the sidelines.
Shohei Ohtani initially expressed interest in making a return to the Derby. However, as he continues to recover from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, Ohtani confirmed that he would not be able to compete. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," he said.
Potential New Entries
Amidst the confirmed players and notable absentees, there is still room for more big names to commit. Teoscar Hernández has shown interest in participating, adding a layer of intrigue as fans eagerly await further announcements.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to provide all the extraordinary moments baseball enthusiasts have come to expect. As we count down the days to July 15, the stage is set for an electrifying evening at Globe Life Field—a fitting venue for what is sure to be an unforgettable event.