ARLINGTON, Texas — MLB All-Star Week is in full swing in Arlington, Texas!
One of the week's most anticipated events each year is the Home Run Derby. This year, there are some different rules.
Who is participating in this year's Home Run Derby?
Eight sluggers will be batting in this year's Home Run Derby. Adolis Garcia is the only Texas Ranger among the batters. He'll look to become the third Ranger to win a Derby--the first since Juan Gonzales in 1993. If he won, he'd be just the fourth MLB player to do so on his home field.
Garcia has some stiff competition, though. Pete Alonso aims to tie Ken Griffey Jr.'s record by winning his third Derby title.
- Adolis Garcia, Texas Rangers
- Pete Alonso, New York Mets
- Teoscar Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians
- Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves
- Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
- Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies
- Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles
What are the new rules for this year's Home Run Derby?
This year, there are quite a few changes to the rules of the Derby.
Seeding
There will not be any seeding for the first round of the 2024 Home Run Derby. The eight batters will hit as many home runs as possible within the time limit, and only four players with the most homers will advance.
In the semifinal round, players will be seeded by the number of home runs they hit in the first round. If two players hit the same number, the one who hit the farthest homer will earn the higher seed.
Derby format
There will still be three rounds in the Derby, and the time limit will remain the same. However, there is now a pitch limit. In the first two rounds, the batters will be given three minutes (plus any earned bonus time) or 40 pitches, whichever comes first.
In the final round, batters will be given two minutes (plus any earned bonus time) or 27 pitches.
Bonus time
Bonus time will also operate differently. In the past, players were given 30 seconds of bonus time and an additional 30 seconds if they hit multiple home runs 440 feet or further.
Now, hitters will be given three "outs" to hit as many home runs as they can within the time or pitch limit. Any ball that is not a home run will be considered an out. If a player hits a home run 425 feet or further, they will be awarded an additional out.
Timeouts
Batters can take one 45-second timeout in each round. However, they cannot call a timeout during bonus periods.
Tiebreakers
Tiebreakers will be decided by one-minute swing-offs with no stoppages or additional time. If the tie remains, the batters will compete in a best-of-three swing-off, where they will get three pitches until a winner is decided.
Where is the Home Run Derby being played?
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby will be played in Arlington, Texas, at Globe Life Field. The ballpark presents a unique opportunity for an exciting Derby.
Globe Life Field ranks 4th in most homers hit this season out of all MLB stadiums.
How much money is at stake?
The MLB is putting $2.5 million on the line. Whoever wins will take home $1 million.
When is the Home Run Derby?
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby will be played at 8 p.m. on July 15. It will air on ESPN.
