2024 MLB Home Run Derby Format: Rule Changes, Participants, and Betting Odds

One of Major League Baseball's favorite traditions is returning tonight, July 15th, as eight players will step to the plate to face off in the 2024 Home Run Derby.

But this year's dinger contest comes with a few changes to the rules.

Let's go over what you can expect of the 2024 MLB T-Mobile Home Run Derby taking place at Globe Life Field at 8:00 pm ET.

Rule Changes for the 2024 Home Run Derby

Player Seeding

In 2023, the Derby showcased a single-elimination bracket that was split into three rounds. All eight players were seeded based on the amount of regular season home runs each player hit so far that year.

The bracket was then organized so that the No. 1 seed would face the No. 8 seed in the first round, No. 2 vs No. 7, and so on. The winners of each matchup would move onto the next round of the Derby.

In 2024, there will no seeding, or head-to-head matchups, in the first round. Every player will attempt to hit as many home runs as they can.

From there, the top four hitters will advance to the semifinals, where they will be seeded based on their performance in the first round.

Pitch Limit

In 2023, there was no limit to the amount of pitches a player could see in the round's allotted time.

In 2024, the first two rounds of the Derby will be three minutes or 40 pitches — whichever comes first. The final round will be two minutes or 27 pitches (excluding the bonus period).

Bonus Pitch Time

In 2023, each player was automatically given 30 seconds of extra time at the end of each period. Players could then earn another 30 seconds if he hit at two least two homes runs that were 440+ feet.

In 2024, there will no longer be a bonus pitch timer. Instead, players get bonus pitches up until they record three outs within the bonus period. Additionally, if a player hits a home run that travels 425+ feet, his bonus period will go until he records his fourth out within the bonus period.

What's Staying the Same?

Timeouts

Just like 2023, all players will be entitled to one 45-second timeout in each of the three rounds. These timeouts cannot be used during bonus periods.

Tiebreakers

The Derby's tiebreaker system will also remain the same. If there is a tie in the semifinals or finals, there will be a 60-second "swing-off." If it's still a tie after those 60 seconds, the batters will do a successive three-swing "swing-off" until there's a winner.

Participants of the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby

Here are the eight players participating in this year's Home Run Derby and their odds to win, according the FanDuel Sportsbook.

• Pete Alonso, New York Mets, +300
• Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles, +380
• Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves, +400
• Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals, +470
• Adolis Garcia, Texas Rangers, +550
• Teoscar Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers, +1100
• Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians, +1500
• Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies, +2000

Read about the best bets for the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby at FanDuel Research.

Who Won the 2023 Home Run Derby?

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won the 2023 Home Run Derby. He defeated Randy Arozarena by hitting 25 home runs in the final round against Arozarena's 23 home runs.

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