Major League Baseball Unveils New Home Run Derby Format for Summer 2024

June 19, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) hits a double in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Major League Baseball revealed updated rules and a new format for the Home Run Derby that will go into effect this summer.

The league said Sunday that in the first round and semifinals, participants will see a maximum of 40 pitches in three minutes. That will be followed by three extra outs; players will keep hitting until they get three more outs. They can earn a fourth extra out if they hit a home run of 425 feet or more during overtime.

The same rules will apply to the final, but there will be a maximum of 27 presentations for two minutes for each finalist.

Gone are the days of an eight-player bracket. The eight contestants will take turns during the first round, and the players with the top four totals will advance, ranked one through four. Any ties will be resolved by the longest home run each player hit in the round.

The No. 1 seed will face the No. 4 seed in the semifinals, and the No. 2 seed will face the No. 3 seed.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson is the first known player on the field. Henderson announced his intention to compete during an in-game interview for “Sunday Night Baseball,” when his Orioles faced the Texas Rangers.

The Home Run Derby will take place on July 15 in Arlington, Texas, one day before the All-Star Game. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays is the defending champion.

–Field level media

2024-07-01 15:58:28
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