The anticipation is building as Arlington, Texas, gets ready to host the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field, the proud home of the Texas Rangers. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, this year's event promises to be a thrilling spectacle for baseball fans everywhere.
Among the confirmed participants, Gunnar Henderson was the first to announce his involvement, making his commitment on June 30. Shortly after, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5. Pete Alonso, a staple in the Home Run Derby, will also compete, marking his fifth appearance in the event. Alonso, who has been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, has a proven track record, having won the Derby in 2019 and 2021.
While some heavy hitters have committed to the event, others have opted out. Aaron Judge, who last participated in the Home Run Derby in 2017 and clinched the title, has decided against joining this year. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the latter of whom won the Derby in 2022, also plan to sit out. Soto's response to inquiries about his participation was a straightforward, "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani, who initially showed interest in participating once more, ultimately decided against it due to his ongoing recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani stated, putting any speculation to rest.
Among potential newcomers, Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in joining the Derby. His addition would certainly add to the excitement and talent pool of the event.
The format for the Derby ensures a competitive and thrilling experience for both participants and viewers. All eight participants will compete in the first round, each getting three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, along with one timeout. The top four home run hitters will advance to the next round. Ties, should they occur, will be broken by the longest home run distance, adding a strategic element to each swing.
In addition to their initial attempts, each player will get three bonus outs after the first three minutes or 40 pitches. A noteworthy addition is that participants can earn a fourth bonus out by hitting a 425-foot home run during the bonus time. This rule opens up opportunities for some dramatic moments and potential game-changing swings.
The semifinal round will feature head-to-head matchups between the top four sluggers from the first round, setting the stage for intense battles as they vie for a spot in the final round. The finals will then see the remaining two players face off under a time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches, with the winner being the player who hits the most home runs within this timeframe.
As the Derby approaches, the buzz around the confirmed participants and the possibility of last-minute additions build excitement. With a highly competitive format and some of the biggest names in baseball ready to showcase their power and skill, the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field promises to be a memorable event in the heart of Texas.