The 2024 MLB All-Star Game is approaching, and so is the Home Run Derby. This year’s Derby will look different but each player involved will have the same goal: outslug the other seven to win the crown. So, here’s a look at all the known participants in the 2024 Home Run Derby, plus the format, date, and location for the event.
List of known players in 2024 Home Run Derby
Here’s a look at the participants announced for the 2024 Home Run Derby:
- Alec Bohm (Phillies)
- Gunnar Henderson (Orioles)
- Pete Alonso (Mets)
- Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals)
- Marcell Ozuna (Braves)
- Jose Ramirez (Guardians)
- Adolis Garcia (Rangers)
- Teoscar Hernandez (Dodgers)
Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson stated during a broadcast of Sunday Night Baseball on June 30 that he would participate in the 2024 event, becoming the first confirmed player. As of July 5, Henderson was second in the Majors in total home runs (27).
Alec Bohm of the Phillies became the second confirmed participant on July 5. Bohm’s career-high home run total is 20, achieved in 2023. He entered play on July 5 with a .488 SLG and was the league leader in doubles (28).
Pete Alonso, the 2019 and 2021 Home Run Derby competitions winner, confirmed he’ll be in it on July 7. Alonso was named to the All-Star Game the same day. A day later, Bobby Witt Jr. and Marcell Ozuna were announced as entrants.
However, three notable players who won’t participate are defending champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge.
Guerrero Jr. said he will not defend his title after he won in Seattle last season. Ohtani, who was in the 2021 Derby in Colorado, won’t as he continues his rehab from Tommy John surgery.
Judge stated there’s “no need” for him to compete, although the Yankee captain said he plans to participate in one when the Derby is held in Yankee Stadium. However, that won’t come in 2025 (Atlanta) or 2026 (Philadelphia).
Format
There will still be eight players in the Home Run Derby. But, the format for the 2024 event will be different, compared to past events.
Last year, MLB set up a bracket-style event for the first round where the top seed would face the eighth seed, two would face seven, and so on. For 2024, the top four home run-getters will advance to the second round. Then, a bracket (#1 vs. #4, #2 vs. #3) will form based upon which hitters belted the most home runs in the first round.
For the first two rounds, batters will be capped to three minutes and a 40-pitch cap. One timeout will be allotted for each hitter.
There will also be a bonus round, capped by three outs. Any pitch that is not a home run is considered an out. Should a hit belt a 425+ foot home run, a fourth out will be awarded.
In the final, batters will be capped at two minutes and 27 outs, with the same bonus rules. The change, per ESPN, comes amidst concerns about exhaustion and the potential injury risk.
When & where is the 2024 Home Run Derby?
The 2024 Home Run Derby will take place in Arlington, Texas on July 15, 2024, at 8 PM ET and air on ESPN in the United States.
Per MLB tradition, the Home Run Derby is held in the host stadium of the All-Star Game, held this year at Globe Life Field.