Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Teoscar Hernández was added to the 2024 Home Run Derby field to round out the group of eight participants for the July 15 event at Globe Life Field.
Hernández is competing in the Derby for the first time in his career. It comes on the heels of earning a second All-Star Game selection, with the first coming in 2021 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hernández first expressed an interest in participating days before All-Star reserves were announced. He then reiterated that stance after being named to the NL team.
“Obviously, in my career, I wanted to be a part of it, see how it feels,” Hernández said before his inclusion was made official.
“Why not try to go for it and win everything?”
While Hernández was awaiting an invitation from MLB to participate in the Home Run Derby, he received support from the Dodgers.
“Hopefully it works out,” manager Dave Roberts said. “If he wants to go out there and hit a bunch of homers and make the fans go crazy, have at it.”
Freddie Freeman added: “I think he’d do just fine. He can punish a baseball. If he wants to do it, I’ll put all my chips on him.”
Freeman himself participated in the Home Run Derby in 2018 as a member of the Atlanta Braves. He’s going to be among the five Dodgers All-Stars accompanying Hernández to Texas this year.
The latest honor for Hernández adds onto what’s been an impressive season with the Dodgers since signing a one-year contract. His presence has provided a power bat from the right side to bring some balance to the lineup.
Hernández ranks fifth overall in the NL with 19 home runs, which leads outfielders in the league.
Home Run Derby field 2024
The entire group of participants making up the 2024 Home Run Derby field is Gunnar Henderson, Alec Bohm, Pete Alonso, Bobby Witt Jr., Marcell Ozuna, José Ramírez, Adolis García and Teoscar Hernández.
Alonso is looking to tie Ken Griffey Jr.’s MLB record with three Derby championships.
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