MLB's Home Run Derby Rule Changes Will Keep It Entertaining, And Better For The Sluggers
Are you ready for the MLB’s Home Run Derby that will take place on July 15? If you are, great! But you should know that it’s going to look different this year.
Eight contestants will compete in the 2024 Home Run Derby, which is the same as it has been in years past (Gunnar Henderson was the first player to commit to the competition). In previous editions of this event, players would be seeded 1-8 and do head-to-head matchups.
However, that’s not how it will be done this year. Instead of doing four head-to-head matchups, all eight contestants will face off, with the top four home run totals advancing to the semifinals.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays poses with the T-Mobile Home Run Derby championship trophy after the the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park on Monday, July 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Here are some other changes, listed by the rounds, according to CBS Sports:
First round:
- Players will either have three minutes or 40 pitches to hit as many dingers as they can (whichever comes first).
- After one of those marks is reached, players can keep hitting until they’ve made three outs.
- Home runs that travel over 425 feet get players a bonus out.
- Each player has one timeout during this round.
Semifinals:
- Players are reseeded 1-4, and all the same rules as the first round apply.
Finals:
- The final two players only get two minutes or 27 pitches, but everything else is the same as the previous two rounds.
Obviously, the pitch number is the biggest change, since it’s an attempt to make sure that players are efficient with their swings and reduce their chances of injury.
So this year should not only be fun, but better for the players. Regardless of who the other seven contestants are, I’m stoked to watch it.
The Home Run Derby will start at 8 p.m. EST. and be held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX (home of the Rangers).