Tonight at 8 p.m. ET, Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, will be the epicenter of raw power as eight of MLB’s finest sluggers square off in the 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby. This year’s field promises a thrilling display of baseball’s biggest hitters, each bringing their own unique blend of strength, skill, and style. Here’s a closer look at the competitors and what they bring to the plate.
Gunnar Henderson – Baltimore Orioles
- Current HR total: 28
- Longest HR of 2024: 430 feet (June 10 vs. Rays)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 112.3 mph (April 29 vs. Yankees)
Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, continues to impress with his power. Matching his home run total from last year in just the first half of this season, Henderson steps into his Derby debut with a reputation for hitting long, hard shots. Orioles fans will be eagerly watching as he follows in the footsteps of teammate Adley Rutschman, who competed last year.
Pete Alonso – New York Mets
- Current HR total: 19
- Longest HR of 2024: 446 feet (June 4 vs. Nationals)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 115.3 mph (May 16 vs. Phillies)
A familiar face in the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso is no stranger to the competition. With two titles under his belt (2019 and 2021), Alonso aims to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only players to win three Derby titles. Known for his powerful swings and Derby experience, Alonso is a formidable contender.
Alec Bohm – Philadelphia Phillies
- Current HR total: 11
- Longest HR of 2024: 427 feet (June 30 vs. Marlins)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 106.8 mph (June 30 vs. Marlins)
Alec Bohm might not be the most prolific home run hitter in the lineup, but his knack for hitting long and hard shots cannot be underestimated. Bohm has been a doubles machine this season, and his participation in the Derby is a testament to his potential to surprise and entertain.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals
- Current HR total: 16
- Longest HR of 2024: 468 feet (May 21 vs. Tigers)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 112.0 mph (July 7 vs. Rockies)
Local favorite Bobby Witt Jr., a native of nearby Colleyville, Texas, will have the crowd behind him in his Derby debut. Witt’s first 30/30 campaign last year established him as a rising star, and his Derby appearance is a chance to shine in front of a hometown audience.
Marcell Ozuna – Atlanta Braves
- Current HR total: 26
- Longest HR of 2024: 446 feet (April 12 vs. Marlins)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 114.6 mph (April 12 vs. Marlins)
Making his Home Run Derby debut, Marcell Ozuna has been a crucial player for the Braves, especially after the loss of Ronald Acuña Jr. Known for his powerful swings, Ozuna’s ability to hit towering home runs makes him a dangerous opponent in the competition.
José Ramírez – Cleveland Guardians
- Current HR total: 23
- Longest HR of 2024: 436 feet (June 28 vs. Royals)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 109.8 mph (June 24 vs. Orioles)
José Ramírez, participating in his second Derby, is having a career year with the potential for his first 40-homer season. Despite a first-round exit in 2022, Ramírez’s consistent power and experience make him a strong contender this year.
Adolis García – Texas Rangers
- Current HR total: 17
- Longest HR of 2024: 428 feet (April 1 vs. Rays)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 110.1 mph (April 1 vs. Rays)
Representing the host team, Adolis García aims to join the elite group of players who have won the Derby in their home ballpark. García, who had a taste of the Derby last year, brings his home run prowess to the forefront once again, fueled by the support of the local fans.
Teoscar Hernández – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Current HR total: 19
- Longest HR of 2024: 431 feet (April 1 vs. Giants)
- Hardest-hit HR of 2024: 108.0 mph (May 6 vs. Marlins)
Teoscar Hernández, a powerful addition to the Dodgers lineup, will make his Derby debut tonight. With the potential to reach the 30-homer mark for the second time in his career, Hernández’s participation adds another layer of excitement to the already stacked field.
Conclusion
With a mix of seasoned veterans and first-time participants, the 2024 Home Run Derby promises to be a spectacular showcase of power hitting. Each player brings their unique strengths, making it anyone’s game at Globe Life Field. Fans can expect a night filled with towering home runs, thrilling competition, and memorable moments as these eight sluggers battle for Derby glory.
