Arlington, Texas to Host 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field
Baseball fans, mark your calendars for Monday, July 15. The 2024 Home Run Derby is set to bring its electrifying atmosphere to Arlington, Texas. Hosted at Globe Life Field, the home of the Texas Rangers, the event will commence at 8 p.m. ET. Anticipation is mounting as the biggest sluggers in Major League Baseball prepare to showcase their prowess.
Format and Rules
This year's Derby maintains the excitement with a format designed to thrill. All eight participants will compete in the first round, each given three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, to hit as many home runs as possible. They are also allowed one timeout. The top four home run hitters will advance to the semifinal round, where they will face head-to-head matchups. The final round will see a time limit of two minutes or 27 pitches, with the player hitting the most home runs emerging victorious.
In the event of a tie, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker. Participants will get an additional three bonus outs after their initial time or pitches. Furthermore, players can earn an extra fourth bonus out by hitting a home run of at least 425 feet during the bonus time, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement.
Confirmed Participants
The first confirmed participant for the 2024 Home Run Derby was Gunnar Henderson, who made his commitment on June 30. Philadelphia Phillies' Alex Bohm followed, joining the lineup on July 5.
Pete Alonso, known for his prodigious power, is set to participate in his fifth Home Run Derby. Alonso is no stranger to this stage, having won the event in both 2019 and 2021. This marks his fourth career All-Star Game appearance, cementing his status as one of the premier power hitters in the game.
Teoscar Hernández has expressed an interest in participating, although no official confirmation has been made yet.
Notable Absentees
On the flip side, some significant names have decided to sit this one out. Aaron Judge, who won the Derby in 2017, has chosen not to participate this year. Additionally, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the latter having clinched the title in 2022, have opted to skip the event. Soto's decision was succinctly summarized in his statement: "No, not this year."
Shohei Ohtani, who initially expressed interest in returning to the Derby, will unfortunately be unable to participate as he continues to recover from elbow surgery performed in September 2023. "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating," Ohtani remarked.
Excitement Builds
As the Home Run Derby draws closer, the excitement within the baseball community is palpable. Globe Life Field, with its state-of-the-art facilities and enthusiastic fan base, promises to be the perfect venue for this slugfest. The event's unique format, coupled with the presence of seasoned Derby participants, guarantees a spectacle filled with unforgettable moments.
This year's lineup might see new faces making their mark, and fans can expect breathtaking home runs and intense competition. With heavyweights like Pete Alonso ready to prove their mettle once again, and emerging stars like Gunnar Henderson stepping into the spotlight, the 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be a memorable chapter in the event's storied history.