The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby is palpable as it moves to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, this year's event promises to deliver an exciting blend of fresh faces and familiar power hitters, set against an updated format that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returns as the defending champion, poised to defend his crown against a field of eager competitors. The 2024 format has undergone notable changes, with all eight participants competing simultaneously in the first round. Each player will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches, and they are allowed one timeout during this period.
Format Overhaul
This year's Derby introduces a thrilling twist by allowing the four leading home run hitters from the first round to advance to the semifinals. Should a tie occur, the longest home run will serve as the tiebreaker. Players can earn three bonus outs after their initial time or pitch limit and can secure a fourth bonus out by hitting a home run that travels 425 feet or more during the bonus time.
In the semifinal round, the advancing players will be seeded based on their first-round home run totals, setting up matches between the top seed and the fourth seed, and the second seed against the third seed. The time and pitch limits remain the same as in the first round: three minutes or 40 pitches, with one timeout permitted.
The final round brings even more intensity, reducing the limit to two minutes or 27 pitches, with just one timeout. The player who hits the most home runs in this decisive round will be crowned the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.
New Faces and Notable Absences
Among the newcomers, Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles will make his first appearance in the Derby. Henderson's inclusion adds an element of intrigue, with fans eager to see how the young slugger fares among more seasoned participants.
Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels has expressed a keen interest in participating, with a few conditions that need to be met. "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 stated. His potential participation would undoubtedly add significant star power to the event.
On the flip side, some prominent players have opted out of this year's Derby. Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has decided not to participate, stating, "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment." Meanwhile, Aaron Judge has also declined to participate, mentioning that he would only consider returning if the All-Star Game is held in New York.
The changes to the format and the mix of new and veteran talent create an enticing dynamic for this year’s Derby. Fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and awe-inspiring power displays as the competition unfolds.