MLB Home Run Derby: Predictions, live updates and takeaways - ESPN

It's 2024 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby day in Arlington!

Some of the best home run hitters in baseball will be taking aim at the Globe Life Field stands on Monday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN) in one of the most anticipated events of the summer.

While the prospect of a back-to-back champion is out of the picture — 2023 winner Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is not a part of this year's field — Pete Alonso will try to become the second player to win the event three times, joining the elite company of Ken Griffey Jr. Will this be the year Alonso does it? Will Adolis Garcia make a run in front of his home crowd? Or will one of the other exciting six participants take the title?

We have your one-stop shop for everything Derby related, from predictions to live updates once we get underway to analysis and takeaways.

Jeff Passan: Bobby Witt Jr. is going to go back home and take the title. Witt, the Kansas City Royals' star shortstop, grew up in Colleyville, about 20 minutes north of Globe Life Field. He's got surprising pop for a player his size and the sort of swing that can get grooved in a hurry. With the new format awarding strategy, Witt can use his endurance and youth to outlast a field short on name recognition but long on power. Alonso will be the favorite heading into the finals against Witt, but the young star will oust the Polar Bear and win the $1 million prize.

Alden Gonzalez: Remember Games 6 and 7 of last year's ALCS and the way Adolis Garcia terrorized the Houston Astros with their fans all over him? Few love the spotlight more than Garcia, and he will thrive while representing the hometown Texas Rangers at the Derby. Garcia, who was not voted an All-Star, hasn't been off to the greatest of starts this season. Perhaps playing into