Arlington, Texas Gears Up for 2024 Home Run Derby
The anticipation is building as the 2024 Home Run Derby, a hallmark event of the Major League Baseball All-Star festivities, is set to take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Home to the Texas Rangers, this premier ballpark will host some of the league's most formidable sluggers on Monday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET.
This year's format promises high-octane action, featuring all eight participants competing in the first round. Each player will have three minutes or up to 40 pitches to showcase their home run prowess, with the top four advancing to the next round based on their performance. The rules allow for a single timeout to strategically maximize each hitter's chances. Should ties arise, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker, ensuring that every swing counts.
Special rules enhance the excitement further, offering each participant three bonus outs beyond the initial time or pitch limit. A fourth bonus out can be earned by hitting a home run that travels at least 425 feet during the bonus period. The semifinals will pit the top four sluggers in head-to-head matchups, narrowing down the field to the two best for the final showdown. In the finals, the rules tighten, with participants given two minutes or 27 pitches to claim the coveted title.
Several heavy hitters have already confirmed their participation. Gunnar Henderson was the first to announce his entry on June 30. Soon after, Alex Bohm joined the lineup on July 5, adding more talent to the competition.
Pete Alonso stands as a marquee name in this year's Derby. Fresh off his fourth career All-Star selection, Alonso brings a wealth of experience and proven success to the contest. Having won the Home Run Derby in 2019 and 2021, and participating in his fifth Derby in 2024, Alonso is a central figure to watch. His reputation as a powerhouse hitter will undoubtedly add to the electrifying atmosphere.
While some stars are eager to participate, others have opted out. Aaron Judge, a former Home Run Derby champion from 2017, has decided not to enter this year. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, who captured the Derby title in 2022, will also be missing from the lineup. "No, not this year," Soto confirmed his absence, preferring to sit out the 2024 event.
Shohei Ohtani, another potential fan favorite, initially considered competing again. However, ongoing recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023 has ruled him out. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani explained, citing his health and recovery as priorities.
Teoscar Hernández has expressed interest in joining the Derby, further contributing to an already competitive field. As a seasoned slugger, Hernández’s participation could add yet another layer of excitement to what promises to be a memorable event.
With the stage set and the lineup forming, the 2024 Home Run Derby in Arlington is a highly anticipated spectacle. Fans can expect a night of intense competition, with some of baseball's brightest stars stepping up to the plate to deliver a display of power and precision. As the countdown continues, the excitement builds for an unforgettable evening at Globe Life Field.