The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby continues to build as Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, prepares to host the event on Monday, July 15. Fans and players alike are eager for an electrifying display of power hitting slated to start at 8 p.m. ET.
Reigning champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will return to defend his crown, but he will face fierce competition under the updated Derby format. This year, all eight participants will compete in the same first round, with each player given three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches, including one timeout, to hit as many home runs as possible.
New Rules Bring Fresh Excitement
The revised rules add an element of strategy and endurance, as players now have to manage their time and energy efficiently. If there's a tie after the first round, the longest home run will break it, ensuring that sheer power doesn't go unrewarded. Adding to the complexity, players earn three bonus outs after the initial time or pitch limit, and a fourth can be earned by sending a ball 425 feet during this bonus time.
Semifinal and Final Rounds
The top four hitters will advance to the semifinals, where they will be seeded based on their first-round performance. The top seed will face the fourth seed, and the second seed will go up against the third. The format remains the same in the semifinals, maintaining the three-minute or 40-pitch restriction along with a single timeout.
In the final round, the stakes are even higher. Players will have only two minutes or 27 pitches to claim victory, with just one timeout allowed. The participant who hits the most home runs in this climactic round will earn the illustrious title of Derby champion.
New Faces and Notable Absences
Among those gearing up for the Derby, Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles will make his first appearance. Another player who has generated significant buzz is Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani has expressed interest in participating, but his involvement hinges on several 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 said, underpinning the many factors that could influence his participation.
Not every star will grace this year's event. Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has opted out, citing lack of motivation. "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment," Alvarez stated, leaving fans to speculate on what might change his mind. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge has made it clear he won't be participating either, unless the All-Star Game returns to New York, hinting at a potential future appearance under specific circumstances.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Home Run Derby promises an evening of drama and spectacle, powered by the game's greatest sluggers and an invigorating new format. With Globe Life Field set as the stage and both seasoned and fresh talents waiting in the wings, fans can expect a memorable night of towering shots and heart-stopping competition.