Arlington Gears Up for 2024 Home Run Derby
As the excitement for the 2024 Home Run Derby builds, fans and participants alike are looking forward to the annual showcase of raw power and precision. Scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET, this year's Derby promises to deliver a thrilling contest at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers, in Arlington, Texas.
For the first round, all eight participants will face off against each other under a unique set of rules. Each batter will have three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to hit as many home runs as possible. They will also be allowed one timeout. The four sluggers with the highest home run totals will advance to the next round, with ties being decided by the longest home run distance.
In an added twist, after the initial three minutes or 40 pitches, each player will receive three bonus outs. Additionally, if a contestant belts a home run measuring 425 feet or more during this bonus time, they will earn a fourth bonus out. The excitement will crescendo in the semifinal round, which will feature head-to-head matchups between the top four hitters from the first round. For the final showdown, the time limit will be reduced to two minutes or 27 pitches. The winner will be determined by the highest number of home runs in the finals.
Several prominent players have already confirmed their participation, with Gunnar Henderson being the first to announce his commitment on June 30. Shortly after, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5. Adding to the excitement, Pete Alonso is set to participate in his fifth Home Run Derby. Alonso, a two-time Derby champion, has also been selected for his fourth career All-Star Game this year, making him a fan favorite to watch.
While the Home Run Derby always attracts the biggest names in baseball, this year, a few stars have chosen to sit out. Aaron Judge, who claimed the Home Run Derby title in 2017, has opted not to participate. Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, have also decided to skip the event. When asked about his decision, Soto simply stated, "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese sensation who has captivated baseball fans worldwide, initially expressed interest in participating in the Derby again. However, due to his ongoing recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023, Ohtani had to withdraw. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," he said.
The Derby's longstanding tradition of celebrating the sport's most prolific sluggers will continue to captivate fans both in the stadium and those tuning in from home. With confirmed participants like Henderson, Bohm, and Alonso, and the evolving dynamics brought by the unique rules, this year's Derby is set to be a memorable one.
Texas Rangers fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to host the event, using the opportunity to showcase Globe Life Field to a nationwide audience. As anticipation builds, the stage is set for an electrifying night filled with towering home runs and nail-biting competition, keeping the spirit of the Home Run Derby alive and strong.