As the 2024 Home Run Derby approaches, the excitement is palpable among baseball fans and players alike. Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers, will serve as the grand stage for this year's event, set to take place in Arlington, Texas. With the event scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the eight sluggers vying for the title.
The format promises to deliver a thrilling competition. Each participant will have three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches in the first round, along with the opportunity to call for one timeout. Adding an extra layer of excitement, each player can rack up to three bonus outs after their initial time or pitch limit and even secure a fourth bonus out by hitting a colossal 425-foot home run during the bonus time. The four top home run hitters will advance to the semifinal round, where head-to-head matchups will determine who proceeds to the final showdown. In the final round, participants will face a tighter time constraint of two minutes or 27 pitches, with the player racking up the most home runs emerging victorious.
Among the confirmed participants, Gunnar Henderson was the first to throw his hat into the ring, announcing his commitment on June 30. His decision was followed by Alex Bohm, who joined the lineup on July 5. One of the biggest names in this year's roster is Pete Alonso. Alonso, who has been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game, is no stranger to the Home Run Derby. The power hitter has already clinched the title twice, in 2019 and 2021, and this participation will mark his fifth appearance in the event. Many fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating whether Alonso can secure a third title and further cement his legacy in Derby history.
Another star, Teoscar Hernández, has also shown interest in participating, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event. However, not all top hitters will be present this year. Aaron Judge, who last participated in and won the Derby in 2017, has decided to sit out the 2024 event. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, who won the 2022 Derby, have chosen not to participate. Soto succinctly stated, "No, not this year," when asked about his decision. These absences have opened the door for other rising stars to showcase their power in one of MLB’s most cherished events.
Shohei Ohtani, another luminary of the sport, initially expressed interest in returning to the Derby. Ohtani, who has captivated fans with his extraordinary dual prowess as both a pitcher and a hitter, declared his interest earlier in the year. However, he is currently in the midst of recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. Addressing the media, Ohtani remarked, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating."
The stage is set for a memorable showdown in Arlington, with Globe Life Field ready to host what promises to be a riveting chapter in Home Run Derby history. With an array of confirmed participants, including seasoned champions and emerging sluggers, the event is poised to deliver yet another evening of spectacular home run feats. As fans eagerly await July 15, the anticipation grows not just for the power display but for the narratives and rivalries that will unfold under the Texas night sky.