The anticipation for the 2024 Home Run Derby is building, and with notable players like Shohei Ohtani and Gunnar Henderson in the conversation, it's shaping up to be an electrifying event. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the Derby promises fans an evening of unsurpassed excitement starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Defending champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returns to the arena, looking to hold on to his title under the new competitive format. For 2024, all eight participants will battle it out in the first round, where each player has three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches to launch as many home runs as possible. Contestants will have one timeout to catch their breath during this high-stakes showdown. The top four sluggers from this round will advance to the semifinals.
In a thrilling twist for tiebreakers, the longest home run will determine who advances. Players can also earn three bonus outs upon the expiration of their initial time or pitch count, and a fourth bonus out is on offer for any player who slugs a 425-foot home run during their bonus time.
The four top performers from the initial round will be seeded 1-4 for the semifinals, based on home run totals. The top seed will duel the fourth seed, and the second seed will clash with the third in matchups that are sure to be crowd-pleasers. The semifinals will adhere to the same time and pitch limits: three minutes or 40 pitches, with one timeout available to each contestant.
The final round heightens the drama with reduced constraints—players will have just two minutes or 27 pitches, and a single timeout to mount their challenge. The crown will go to the player who hits the most home runs, a simple yet formidable objective amidst fierce competition.
Among those drawing significant attention is Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson, a rookie in Derby terms who is set to make his debut. Another intriguing potential participant is Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani, who holds widespread admiration across the league, has expressed a desire to join the showcase, though he requires multiple approvals first.
"I have to get an offer (to participate) first," Ohtani noted. "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."
In contrast, Yordan Alvarez from the Houston Astros has decided against participation this year. "Something I'm not super motivated to do at this moment," he mentioned, confirming his focus lies elsewhere. Similarly, New York Yankees' Aaron Judge has opted out, though he left the door slightly ajar for future participation, contingent on the All-Star Game being held in New York.
As fans eagerly await the spectacle, the refined format and the blend of seasoned champions and eager newcomers promise a riveting Home Run Derby. The balance between strategic gameplay and brute power will be on full display, offering a night where prospects soar as high as the home runs themselves. Globe Life Field is set for an unforgettable evening of America’s pastime at its most electrifying.