The field for the 2024 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby further expanded on Monday after the league announced that Kansas City Royals’ shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna would take part in the event.
Witt and Ozuna will join Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles), Pete Alonso (New York Mets), and Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies), who were previously unveiled as this year’s Home Run Derby participants. Three more players are expected to be added to the list in the coming days.
Witt was named an All-Star for the first time thanks to an outstanding campaign in his third season in the majors in which he is batting .324 with 15 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. His 119 hits are the most in the MLB, while he also leads the American League in doubles (25), making it a
“It’s an honor just to be able to be asked to do that and kind of represent the Royals,” Witt said.
Ozuna, on the other hand, received his third career All-Star nod on the back of 23 homers this season, which is fourth most in the league.
“This is a big moment for me and my family and I’m beyond excited to put on a show for the fans,” said Ozuna about the Home Run Derby invite.
This year’s Home Run Derby will take place at Globe Life Field on July 15. It will feature a new format that will see one-versus-one being scrapped in the first round, which will see all batters compete and the four best advancing to the quarterfinals.
