Major League Baseball announced that Gunnar Henderson will be participating in the Home Run Derby this year. This will be the first time the Baltimore shortstop will be competing in the event. The format for the Home Run Derby has been updated for this year’s competition. The field of eight competitors will compete in the first round, with the top four advancing to a bracketed semifinal. The winners of the semifinal bracket will then face off in the final round to determine the champion.
Henderson, who won the AL Rookie of the Year award last season, is currently a strong candidate for the AL MVP this year. With 26 home runs, he is tied for second in the major leagues, trailing only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. Henderson also leads the majors with eight leadoff home runs, closing in on Alfonso Soriano’s big league record.
The reigning Home Run Derby champion is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays. Guerrero Jr. won the title by hitting 25 home runs in the 2023 finals. This year’s Home Run Derby is scheduled to take place on July 15 as part of the All-Star festivities at Globe Life Field in Texas.
It will be an exciting event to watch as some of the best power hitters in the league compete for the title. Make sure to follow your favorite teams and players to stay updated on all the latest news and information from Major League Baseball. Don’t miss out on the action and sign up for a personalized newsletter delivered right to your inbox. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the world of baseball.