MLB announces drastic ‘divisive’ changes for 2024 Home Run derby as fans complain ‘this dinosaur has run its course’

THE MLB has revealed new rules for the Home Run Derby which hasn’t sat well with fans.

The new changes will go into effect for the 2024 derby this month.

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On Sunday, Major League Baseball announced the new rules and format for the upcoming event.

The league shared that contestants in the first round and semifinals will see a maximum of 40 pitches over three minutes.

Each player will then receive three bonus outs, meaning the participant will get to continue to hit until they make three outs.

They can earn a fourth out if they blast a homerun of 425 feet or longer during the bonus out time.

The same changes apply to the final round.

However, there will be a max of 27 pitches over two minutes for the two finalists.

The new rules mean that there won’t be an eight-player bracket.

All eight participants will get their turns during the first round, and the top four players will move and be seeded.

If there are any ties, the longest home run by the respective baseball players will determine the advancer.

The No. 1 seed to take on the No. 4 seed in the semifinals, and the No. 2 will face the No. 3 seed.

Baseball fans revealed their displeasure with the changes to the home run-hitting competition before the All-Star game.

“Stop messing with the Home Run Derby it’s just confusing,” one wrote.

“This dinosaur has run its course,” one commented.

“Manfred is ruining the game,” a third added.

Five key MLB rule changes in 2024

1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.

2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.

3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.

4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.

5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.

Baltimore Orioles star shortstop Gunnar Henderson revealed on Sunday that he’ll participate in the Derby.

He’s the only known player in the event.

Henderson’s 26 home runs are tied for second in the majors with Los Angeles Dodgers ‘ Shohei Ohtani , behind only New York Yankees ‘ Aaron Judge.

The Home Run Derby will be on July 15 in the Texas Rangers ‘ ballpark Globe Life Field in Arlington.

The All-Star game will take place the following day.

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won last year’s Home Run Derby.

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