Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez edged out Kansas City Royals phenom Bobby Witt Jr. in a thrilling final round at Globe Life Field on Monday night to capture the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby title.
In an exhilarating showcase of power and precision, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez emerged as the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby champion. The 31-year-old slugger showcased his prodigious hitting ability, belting a clutch 14 home runs in the final round to edge out Kansas City Royals phenom Bobby Witt Jr.
The Derby featured a revamped format that pitted the top four hitters from the first round into the semifinals. Hernandez, who had tied for 14th in the MLB with 19 homers entering the weekend, delivered an impressive display of power in his semifinal against Philadelphia Phillies star Alec Bohm.
Teoscar Hernandez Wins 2024 MLB Home Run Derby in Thrilling Finish
With the semifinal tied at 14 homers apiece, Hernandez launched two homers in his three bonus swings to earn a berth in the championship round. Bohm, who had narrowly missed a potential walk-off homer in the final swing of his semifinal round, could only muster one homer in his three bonus swings.
Witt, on the other hand, had an easier path to the finals, defeating Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez 17-12 in their semifinal matchup. The 22-year-old phenom displayed remarkable consistency, hitting deep into the Texas night to keep pace with Hernandez's impressive display.
Teoscar Hernandez Wins 2024 MLB Home Run Derby in Thrilling Finish
The championship round witnessed a captivating duel between Hernandez and Witt, with both hitters showcasing their immense power. Hernandez, who had been yearning to participate in this prestigious All-Star weekend event for years, displayed unwavering composure under pressure.
With Witt needing three homers to tie and four to win the championship, Hernandez watched anxiously as Witt's final swing left the bat at 102 mph with a lofty trajectory toward center field. However, the ball fell just short of clearing the wall, landing in the deepest part of the ballpark and sending Hernandez into a frenzy of celebration.
Teoscar Hernandez Wins 2024 MLB Home Run Derby in Thrilling Finish
Hernandez's victory marks the second time in the past 14 years that the Home Run Derby has been won by a player 30 years old or older, with David Ortiz capturing the title at 34 in 2010. The Dodgers outfielder, who hails from the Dominican Republic, paid tribute to his former Toronto Blue Jays teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had encouraged him to take part in the Derby.
Hernandez's success in the Derby is a testament to his immense hitting talent and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles. Despite being the oldest player in the competition, Hernandez proved that age could not overshadow his exceptional ability. His victory serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that even seasoned veterans can continue to achieve greatness in the game of baseball.
