Countdown to the 2024 Home Run Derby: Lineup Shaping Up
Come July 15, 2024, Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, will be buzzing with energy as it hosts the much-anticipated Home Run Derby. The annual slugfest, set to begin at 8 p.m. ET, is already drawing attention with several high-profile confirmations and notable absences among potential participants.
The event format remains as thrilling as ever. All eight participants will compete head-to-head in the initial round, each allotted three minutes or 40 pitches to show off their power, with the top four advancing based on total home runs. In case of a tie, the longest home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker. This structured chaos ensures that every swing counts, adding to the dramatic tension that defines the Derby.
After the initial three-minute showdown, each player gets three bonus outs. A homer that clears 425 feet during this window grants them an additional, valuable fourth out. As the event progresses, the semifinal round will feature head-to-head matchups, narrowing down the field to the final two sluggers. In the final round, participants will have a slightly tighter window of two minutes or 27 pitches to secure the championship title.
Confirmed Participants and Key Absences
Leading the confirmations is Gunnar Henderson, who made headlines as the first to commit on June 30. His early confirmation set the tone for a competitive lineup. Joining him is Alex Bohm, who threw his hat in the ring on July 5. Not far behind them is Pete Alonso, a titan in the Home Run Derby history book. Having won the event in both 2019 and 2021, Alonso is no stranger to the pressures and thrills of this electrifying showdown. His selection for his fourth career All-Star Game is a testament to his consistent power-hitting prowess. Remarkably, this will be Alonso's fifth appearance in the Home Run Derby, a record that solidifies his status as a Derby legend.
Teoscar Hernández has also shown interest in participating, adding another layer of excitement for fans eagerly awaiting the final roster. However, the event will see some notable absences. Aaron Judge, who last participated in 2017 and clinched the title, has decided to sit out this year's Derby. Similarly, Yordan Alvarez and Juan Soto, the 2022 Home Run Derby champion, have chosen to skip the event. Soto's decision was succinct, "No, not this year," he shared. These absences open up opportunities for other power hitters to make their mark on one of baseball’s most exhilarating stages.
Injury News and Surprises
Shohei Ohtani, a fan favorite, initially expressed interest in participating again. However, his recovery from elbow surgery performed in September 2023 has put a damper on those plans. Ohtani's candid words reflect his situation, "I'm in the middle of my rehab progression, so it's not going to look like I'll be participating." His absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans who hoped to see his extraordinary blend of flair and power on display.
The stage is being set for an unforgettable Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field. As the countdown to July 15 continues, fans will be eagerly watching as the final lineup takes shape. Whether it's the veteran brilliance of Pete Alonso or the fresh dynamism of newcomers like Gunnar Henderson and Alex Bohm, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises the passion, competition, and towering homers that make it one of the highlights of the baseball calendar.