Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. are both poised to share a common experience this season. Witt, a rising star for the Kansas City Royals, has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, making him the fifth Royal to do so and the first since Perez’s involvement in 2021. As he steps into the batter’s box next week, Witt will aim to launch pitches over the outfield wall, but he’ll encounter a new set of rules designed to freshen up the competition.
Unlike the significant shift in format announced by MLB in 2015, which introduced a timed system replacing the traditional 10-out format, this year’s changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The timer remains a crucial element: three minutes for the first two rounds and reduced to two minutes for the championship round. Each batter faces the challenge of hitting as many home runs as possible within their allotted time or before reaching a pitch count of 40, whichever comes first. This adjustment aims to maintain the pace and excitement while preventing exhaustive rounds that characterized past derbies.
Another notable change involves the bonus time structure. In previous years, players received 30 seconds of additional time at the end of their regulation period, with the opportunity to extend it by hitting long home runs. Now, bonus time shifts to an out-based system. Batters are granted three additional outs after their regular time expires, allowing them to continue hitting home runs without a time constraint. An extra out is awarded for hitting a home run of 425 feet or more during this bonus phase, incentivizing players to aim for deeper drives.
The final round sees further adjustments: a shorter two-minute duration and a maximum of 27 pitches. The format for advancing has also been overhauled. Instead of head-to-head matchups from the start, all eight participants will compete simultaneously to hit as many home runs as possible. The top four overall, determined by total home runs hit, advance to the next round, where traditional head-to-head matchups resume.
In response to feedback from past participants regarding the physical toll of the event, MLB’s new format aims to strike a balance between competitiveness and player well-being. Each contestant is allowed a 45-second timeout in each round (excluding bonus time), providing brief respites to recharge and strategize.
For Bobby Witt Jr., the derby represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With 15 home runs already under his belt this season and the derby taking place near his hometown of Colleyville, Texas, Witt Jr. enters the competition with high expectations. His father, Bobby Witt Sr., believes the new rules could play to his advantage, emphasizing the reduced physical strain and the potential for strategic play.
While Witt Jr. is focused on enjoying the event and delivering an exciting performance for fans, the updated format promises to add an intriguing dynamic to this year’s Home Run Derby. Royals supporters and baseball enthusiasts alike can tune in on July 15th to witness Witt Jr. and the other contenders showcase their power and precision in a thrilling display of home run hitting. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. Central, ensuring an evening of electrifying baseball action.
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