The 2024 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby is inching closer, and the field is set. It’s time to witness some of the biggest names in MLB engaging in an epic showdown at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. With American and National League hitters geared up for a big fight, this is a night for capturing bragging rights. However, unlike previous seasons, this year, the raw batting and pitching prowess will be tested even more with the event undergoing some significant changes. 

What’s more? The 2024 Home Derby event will be a little different and exciting for the fans. Reason? While the star-studded players will be there, watching the aspiring MLB players take on the veterans will be a treat. If that’s not all, one player, if he wins, will tie the record for most Derby victories. So what sets this derby apart from all the previous ones? The answer lies in its participants’ format and game-changing 2024 Derby rules. 

When and where to watch the Home Run Derby

The MLB All-Star Home Run Derby event will commence on Monday, 15th July 2024, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Also, for the fans eager to watch the mega showdown, ESPN will broadcast the Home Run Derby 2024. Also, people willing to stream the event online can tune in to ESPN+, ESPN app, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio, MLB.com, and MLB.TV. 

However, while there’s little doubt about the Home-Run Derby being one of baseball’s most popular events – there’s still a small heartbreak this year. Some of the biggest names, from Shohei Ohtani to Aaron Judge, have decided to stay back from this competition. But then, that doesn’t mean that the Home Run Derby has no stars – there is a perfect mix of veterans and young guns competing for glory here.

MLB superstars participating in 2024’s Home Run Derby 

Home Run Derby is a place where stars are made. However, this time things are a little different. Some players want to relive glory and hitters want to prove that they’ve arrived. As a result, 8 stars are locked in for the huge showdown at the famed Derby.

• 1B Pete Alonso, New York Mets
• 3B Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies
• OF Adolis García, Texas Rangers
• SS Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
• OF Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers
• DH Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves
• 3B Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians
• SS Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

One can’t talk about the Home Run Derby even without the man to beat – Pete Alonso. The New York Mets’ first baseman is attending his fifth Derby event after winning in 2019 and 2021. In 2019, he narrowly defeated Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 23-22 in the game’s final round at Cleveland. If Alonso wins the 2024 Home Run Derby, he will be the second three-time Derby Champion. This feat will take him to the elite list, joining Ken Griffey Jr., who won in 1994,1998 and 1999.

As Ric Flair once said, “To be the man you’ve got to beat the man!” However, this time some hitters can do just that!

Yes, Marcell Ozuna looks to be in a deadly form. But two more players can clinch the title from Polar Bear, one being Baltimore Orioles Gunnar Henderson. Undoubtedly, Henderson’s track record in 2024 is impressive. He has smashed 27 homers, just one shy from the previous year. Also, he’s on song to become just the second shortstop to smash 50 dingers in a single year. Having all the skills and riding on 2024 form, if he could win the 2024 Derby, he would be the third person from Orioles to achieve this feat. 

More to it, the second fierce competitor that could dethrone Pete Alonso, Dodger’s Teoscar Hernandez, might be the ideal prospect. Smashing a homer 431 feet away into the stands and with 19 2024 home runs, he looks a delightful prospect. In 2024, he became a breakout star with a staggering 14.9% barrel rate. Though he is participating for the first time, his power-hitting could be the factor that can make him clinch the elusive Derby Title 2024. Also, aside from the players who might be practicing hard, the new 2024 Derby format might make things trickier for them. 

What is the new format, and how much is the prize?

Unlike the strict Home Run Derby events, the 2024 Derby format has undergone a major overhaul. This time, eight hitters will battle against each other in the first round. Out of which, the four best performers will advance to the semifinals. Also, they will be ranked in a one-to-four position based on how many runs they hit in the first round.

In the case of tiebreakers, it will be finalized based on every batter’s longest home run. Also, in the semifinals, the No.1 seed will play against the No.4 seed, whereas the No.2 seed will face off the No.3 seed. Eventually, the two top sluggers will advance to the event’s final round. 

Secondly, in the first two rounds, every hitter will have three minutes or, in total, 40 pitches. They will have to smash as many home runs as possible during the time frame. However, before the 2024 Derby, there was no pitch limit, whereas, in 2023, no pitcher pitched less than 43. Hence, the 40-pitch limit will speed up the process and levy a premium on overall efficiency (i.e. home runs per pitch).

Also, each hitter will get a 45-second timeout that is not viable during their bonus time (awarded for homers longer than 425 feet). Regarding the finals, hitters will get two minutes or a maximum of 27 pitches (excluding bonus time). 

Coming down to the 2024 Home Run Derby prize money, the winner will get $1 million from the $2.5 million prize pool. Followed by the runner-up, who will take home $750,000. Eventually, a few days remain, and the fans’ excitement at watching the 2024 Home Run Derby is paramount. Scrapping old rules, the new ones seem exciting and will test the eight players’ caliber. Though each one will bring their ‘A’ game, only one will prevail. Who will win the 2024 Home Run Derby? Let us know your answers in the comments!