The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby is building as it sets to light up Arlington, Texas. Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers, will host this electrifying event on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET.
The Derby format promises an exhilarating evening for the fans. All eight participants will slug it out in the first round, each given three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first. They will also be allowed one timeout. The top four hitters will advance, determined by the highest home run totals. In the event of ties, the longest home run distance will act as the deciding factor. Moreover, participants will receive three bonus outs after the initial three minutes or 40 pitches, and a fourth bonus out can be earned with a 425-foot home run during the bonus time.
The semifinals will feature head-to-head matchups among the top four sluggers, ensuring even more intense competition. In the final round, the time limit decreases to two minutes or 27 pitches. The participant who sends the most balls out of the park in the finals will be crowned the winner.
Confirmed Participants and Notable Absences
Fans are already buzzing about the confirmed participants and notable absences. Gunnar Henderson was the first to confirm his participation, making his commitment known on June 30. Joining the lineup on July 5, Alex Bohm added his name to the growing list of competitors. Pete Alonso, a noteworthy figure in the sport, has been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game and will be participating in his fifth Home Run Derby. Alonso has previously clinched the Derby titles in 2019 and 2021.
Teoscar Hernández has shown interest in competing, adding another layer of excitement. However, the Derby will miss the star power of Aaron Judge, who has decided not to participate. Judge last took part in the Home Run Derby in 2017, where he emerged victorious. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto will also be skipping this year's event, with Soto having won the 2022 Home Run Derby. Commenting on his absence, Soto simply stated, "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani's Status
Shohei Ohtani's status for the Derby has been a topic of much discussion. Initially, the dual-threat superstar expressed interest in participating again, but recovering from elbow surgery performed in September 2023 has put him on the sidelines. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani clarified, ending any lingering speculation about his involvement.
The mix of confirmed participants and notable absentees sets the stage for a highly competitive event, with a blend of emerging talents and seasoned sluggers. Globe Life Field is poised to witness another chapter of baseball history, one swing at a time.