Teoscar Hernández has been an important piece of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup in 2024 due to his presence as a power threat and his ability to be in the lineup every single day.
His availability has been especially valuable for a team that has already lost a couple of key offensive pieces in Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. Not to mention the lack of overall depth in the lineup even before Mookie Betts and Max Muncy went on the injured list.
If not for a family emergency that caused him to miss two games during the series against the White Sox, he would join Freddie Freeman as the only other person on the Dodgers to play in every single game this season.
Hernández has been one of the National League’s premier power threats, and has come through in big moments this season. He currently ranks fifth in the NL with 19 home runs and his on-base plus slugging percentage puts his in the top-15 as well.
With all the power Hernández has displayed this season, he has expressed interest in showcasing it in front of the entire country during this year’s Home Run Derby, according to David Vassegh of AM570 Radio:
Teoscar Hernandez just told me he would want to participate in HR Derby in Texas. #Dodgers #MLB #HRDerby
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) July 5, 2024
With the recent news that Shohei Ohtani is indeed not going to participate in this season’s contest, Hernández’s could fill in as the Dodgers’ representative.
Currently, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles and Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies are the only two confirmed participants. Henderson’s 27 homers are tied with Ohtani for the second most in the Majors this season. Bohm has just 11 home runs but does rank inside the top-25 in terms of slugging.
If Hernández does receive an invitation, it would be the first Home Run Derby of his MLB career.
Teoscar Hernández narrowly misses out in ASG starter voting
Entering the final stage of fan voting to determine the starters for the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, Hernández was in position to secure the final spot in the outfield for the NL, but ultimately slipped into fourth place when the final results were revealed on Wednesday.
Regardless, he still has a very good chance to still make the roster as a reserve when the full rosters are announced on Sunday.
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