2024 Home Run Derby: All the Details You Need to Know

The 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be one for the record books. With a star-studded lineup of sluggers and a new location, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.

The Derby will take place on Monday, July 8th, 2024, at the legendary Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. This will be the first time the Derby has been held at Wrigley Field, and the historic ballpark is sure to provide a unique and memorable backdrop for the event.

With the 2024 Home Run Derby just around the corner, fans are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the participants. Who will be the eight sluggers who will step up to the plate and compete for the title of Home Run Derby champion? Stay tuned, as we’ll bring you all the latest news and updates as soon as they become available.

2024 Home Run Derby

Excitement builds for summer’s biggest bash.

  • Star-studded lineup
  • Historic Wrigley Field
  • New format, new rules
  • Defending champ Juan Soto
  • Derby rookies to watch
  • Home run derby betting odds
  • Derby-themed food and drinks
  • Family-friendly activities
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Unforgettable experience

The 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.

Star-studded lineup

The 2024 Home Run Derby boasts a lineup of sluggers that is sure to light up the night sky at Wrigley Field.

  • Juan Soto: The reigning champion is back to defend his title. Soto is one of the most feared hitters in baseball, and he’s always a threat to go deep.
  • Ronald Acuña Jr.: The Venezuelan outfielder is one of the most exciting young players in the game. He’s got a powerful swing and a knack for hitting tape-measure home runs.
  • Shohei Ohtani: The Japanese two-way star is a unique talent who can both pitch and hit at an elite level. He’s sure to put on a show for the fans in Chicago.
  • Pete Alonso: The New York Mets slugger is known for his prodigious power. He’s led the National League in home runs twice in his first three seasons in the majors.

These are just a few of the big names who are expected to participate in the 2024 Home Run Derby. With so much star power on display, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Historic Wrigley Field

The 2024 Home Run Derby will be held at the iconic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. This will be the first time the Derby has been held at Wrigley Field, and it’s sure to be a special event.

  • 100+ years of history: Wrigley Field is one of the oldest and most iconic ballparks in Major League Baseball. It opened in 1914 and has been home to the Cubs ever since.
  • Friendly confines: Wrigley Field is known for its intimate atmosphere and short porch in left field. This makes it a hitter-friendly ballpark, which should lead to plenty of home runs in the Derby.
  • Ivy-covered outfield walls: One of the most distinctive features of Wrigley Field is the ivy-covered outfield walls. These walls are a challenge for outfielders, but they also add to the charm of the ballpark.
  • Wrigleyville: The neighborhood surrounding Wrigley Field is known as Wrigleyville. It’s a vibrant area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s the perfect place to celebrate the Home Run Derby before and after the event.

Wrigley Field is a special place, and it’s sure to provide a unique and memorable backdrop for the 2024 Home Run Derby.

New format, new rules

The 2024 Home Run Derby will feature a new format and new rules, designed to make the event even more exciting for fans.

Format:

  • The Derby will now consist of three rounds, instead of the previous four rounds.
  • In the first round, each batter will have three minutes to hit as many home runs as possible.
  • The top four batters from the first round will advance to the second round.
  • In the second round, each batter will have two minutes to hit as many home runs as possible.
  • The top two batters from the second round will advance to the final round.
  • In the final round, each batter will have one minute to hit as many home runs as possible.

Rules:

  • Batters will be allowed to use any bat they want, as long as it meets Major League Baseball’s specifications.
  • Batters will not be allowed to step out of the batter’s box during their at-bat.
  • Home runs that hit the foul poles will count.
  • Home runs that land in the ivy-covered outfield walls will also count.

These new rules are designed to make the Derby more exciting and unpredictable. With the shorter time limits and the new rules, batters will have to swing for the fences from the start.

Defending champ Juan Soto

Juan Soto is the defending Home Run Derby champion, and he’s looking to make it two in a row in 2024. The young Dominican outfielder is one of the most exciting hitters in baseball, and he’s always a threat to go deep.

Soto won the Derby in 2022 in dramatic fashion, defeating Ronald Acuña Jr. in the final round. He hit a total of 53 home runs in the competition, including a record-breaking 22 home runs in the first round.

Soto is known for his prodigious power and his ability to hit the ball to all fields. He’s also a patient hitter who doesn’t chase pitches out of the zone. This makes him a dangerous opponent in the Derby, where batters are swinging for the fences on every pitch.

Soto will be one of the favorites to win the Derby again in 2024. He’s a young player with a lot of power, and he’s already proven that he can handle the pressure of the big stage.

Derby rookies to watch

In addition to the established stars, there are a number of Derby rookies who could make a splash in 2024.

  • Julio Rodriguez: The Seattle Mariners outfielder is one of the most exciting young players in baseball. He’s got a powerful swing and a knack for hitting tape-measure home runs.
  • Bobby Witt Jr.: The Kansas City Royals shortstop is another highly touted prospect who could make his Derby debut in 2024. He’s got a smooth swing and plenty of power.
  • Spencer Torkelson: The Detroit Tigers first baseman is a big, strong kid with a lot of raw power. He could be a force to be reckoned with in the Derby.
  • Oneil Cruz: The Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop is a unique talent with a combination of size, speed, and power. He’s still raw, but he has the potential to be a special player.

These are just a few of the Derby rookies who could make a name for themselves in 2024. With their power and potential, they could be the ones to challenge Juan Soto for the title of Home Run Derby champion.

Home run derby betting odds

The Home Run Derby is a popular betting event, and there are a number of different ways to wager on the competition.

  • Outright winner: This is the most straightforward bet, where you simply pick the player who you think will win the Derby.
  • Top 3 finish: This bet allows you to pick three players who you think will finish in the top 3. This is a good option if you’re not sure who will win, but you have a few players in mind who you think have a good chance of doing well.
  • Number of home runs: You can also bet on the total number of home runs that a player will hit in the Derby. This is a more difficult bet to win, but it can also be more rewarding.
  • Head-to-head matchup: This bet allows you to pick which player you think will hit more home runs than another player. This is a good option if you have two players in mind who you think are evenly matched.

The betting odds for the Home Run Derby will be released closer to the event. However, you can already find some early odds at some online sportsbooks.

Derby-themed food and drinks

No Home Run Derby is complete without food and drinks! Here are a few Derby-themed ideas to get you started:

Food:

  • Home run sliders: Mini burgers topped with cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings.
  • Bases-loaded nachos: A platter of nachos loaded with cheese, chili, sour cream, and guacamole.
  • Grand slam hot dogs: Hot dogs wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection.
  • Strikeout stromboli: A stromboli filled with pepperoni, sausage, and cheese.

Drinks:

  • Home run punch: A refreshing punch made with fruit juices, soda, and sherbet.
  • Bases-loaded lemonade: Lemonade spiked with vodka and strawberries.
  • Grand slam margarita: A margarita made with tequila, lime juice, and Grand Marnier.
  • Strikeout stout: A dark and roasty stout beer.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own Derby-themed food and drinks that will be sure to hit a home run with your guests.

Family-friendly activities

The Home Run Derby is a great event for families. Here are a few activities that you can enjoy with your kids:

  • Face painting: Get your kids’ faces painted with their favorite baseball team or player.
  • Balloon animals: Have a balloon artist make your kids their favorite balloon animals.
  • Temporary tattoos: Get your kids temporary tattoos of their favorite baseball players.
  • Kids’ home run derby: Set up a small batting cage and let your kids take some swings. Award prizes for the longest home runs.
  • Scavenger hunt: Hide baseball-themed items around the ballpark and have your kids search for them.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can come up with your own family-friendly activities that will make the Home Run Derby a memorable experience for everyone.

In addition to the activities listed above, there will also be a number of family-friendly events happening at Wrigley Field during the Home Run Derby. These events will include:

  • A kids’ zone with games and activities
  • Live music and entertainment
  • Food and drink vendors
  • A chance to meet and greet your favorite baseball players

So bring your family and friends to Wrigley Field for the 2024 Home Run Derby. You’re sure to have a blast!

Live music and entertainment

In addition to the baseball, there will also be plenty of live music and entertainment at the 2024 Home Run Derby.

  • Pre-show concert: Before the Derby starts, there will be a pre-show concert featuring a popular musical artist.
  • In-game entertainment: Throughout the Derby, there will be live music and entertainment between innings. This could include performances by bands, singers, or DJs.
  • Post-show concert: After the Derby is over, there will be a post-show concert featuring another popular musical artist.
  • Other entertainment: In addition to the concerts, there will also be other forms of entertainment at the Derby, such as mascot races, fireworks shows, and giveaways.

The live music and entertainment at the Home Run Derby is a great way to add to the excitement of the event. It’s also a great way to keep the fans entertained between innings and during the breaks in the action.

Unforgettable experience

The 2024 Home Run Derby is sure to be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Star-studded lineup: The Derby will feature some of the biggest names in baseball, including Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Pete Alonso.
  • Historic Wrigley Field: The Derby will be held at the iconic Wrigley Field, which is one of the most historic and beloved ballparks in Major League Baseball.
  • New format and rules: The Derby will feature a new format and rules, which are designed to make the event even more exciting for fans.
  • Family-friendly activities: There will be plenty of family-friendly activities at the Derby, including face painting, balloon animals, and a kids’ home run derby.
  • Live music and entertainment: There will be live music and entertainment throughout the Derby, including a pre-show concert, in-game entertainment, and a post-show concert.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun day out, the 2024 Home Run Derby is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Here are some additional tips for making the most of your Home Run Derby experience:

  • Arrive early: The gates to Wrigley Field will open two hours before the Derby starts. This will give you plenty of time to find your seat, get some food and drinks, and enjoy the pre-game festivities.
  • Dress comfortably: The weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. You may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen.
  • Bring a camera: You’ll want to capture all the memories of your day at the Home Run Derby. Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone so you can take pictures and videos.
  • Have fun! The Home Run Derby is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some baseball. So sit back, cheer for your favorite players, and have a blast.

FAQ

Got questions about the 2024 Home Run Derby? We’ve got answers!

Question 1: When and where is the 2024 Home Run Derby?
Answer: The 2024 Home Run Derby will be held on Monday, July 8th, 2024, at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Question 2: Who are some of the players who will be participating in the Derby?
Answer: The full list of participants has not yet been announced, but some of the players who are expected to compete include Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Pete Alonso.

Question 3: What is the format of the Derby?
Answer: The Derby will consist of three rounds. In the first round, each batter will have three minutes to hit as many home runs as possible. The top four batters will advance to the second round. In the second round, each batter will have two minutes to hit as many home runs as possible. The top two batters will advance to the final round. In the final round, each batter will have one minute to hit as many home runs as possible.

Question 4: What are some of the new rules for the 2024 Derby?
Answer: There are a few new rules for the 2024 Derby. First, batters will be allowed to use any bat they want, as long as it meets Major League Baseball’s specifications. Second, batters will not be allowed to step out of the batter’s box during their at-bat. Third, home runs that hit the foul poles will count. Fourth, home runs that land in the ivy-covered outfield walls will also count.

Question 5: How can I get tickets to the Derby?
Answer: Tickets for the Derby will go on sale to the general public in early 2024. You can purchase tickets online through the Cubs’ website or through a ticket broker.

Question 6: What are some of the other activities that will be happening at the Derby?
Answer: In addition to the Derby itself, there will be a number of other activities happening at Wrigley Field on July 8th. These activities will include live music, food and drink vendors, and family-friendly activities.

We hope this FAQ has answered all of your questions about the 2024 Home Run Derby. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Now that you know all about the 2024 Home Run Derby, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your 2024 Home Run Derby experience:

Tip 1: Arrive early.

The gates to Wrigley Field will open two hours before the Derby starts. This will give you plenty of time to find your seat, get some food and drinks, and enjoy the pre-game festivities. If you’re planning on getting a good spot for watching the Derby, it’s a good idea to arrive even earlier.

Tip 2: Dress comfortably.

The weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. You may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen, especially if you’re planning on sitting in the outfield.

Tip 3: Bring a camera.

You’ll want to capture all the memories of your day at the Home Run Derby. Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone so you can take pictures and videos of the event.

Tip 4: Have fun!

The Home Run Derby is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy some baseball. So sit back, cheer for your favorite players, and have a blast.

Bonus Tip: Check the weather forecast before you go.

If there’s a chance of rain, be sure to bring a poncho or umbrella. You don’t want to get caught in a downpour and ruin your day at the Derby.

We hope these tips help you have a great time at the 2024 Home Run Derby!

Now that you know all about the 2024 Home Run Derby and have some tips for making the most of your experience, all that’s left to do is get your tickets and start planning your trip to Chicago!

Conclusion

The 2024 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be one for the record books. With a star-studded lineup of sluggers, a new location, and a new format, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.

Here’s a quick recap of the main points:

  • The Derby will be held on Monday, July 8th, 2024, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.
  • The field of participants will include some of the biggest names in baseball, including Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Pete Alonso.
  • The Derby will feature a new format with three rounds, shorter time limits, and new rules.
  • There will be plenty of family-friendly activities, live music, and entertainment at the Derby.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun day out, the 2024 Home Run Derby is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

So mark your calendars and start planning your trip to Chicago. You won’t want to miss this one!

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