Teoscar Hernandez showcased exceptional power and endurance to win the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, becoming the first player from the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim this title. The event took place on July 15, 2024, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Texas Rangers. Hernandez’s victory was a significant milestone for him and the Dodgers franchise, as the best betting sites had him at long odds to win the event.
The 2024 Home Run Derby featured eight participants, including notable sluggers such as Pete Alonso from the New York Mets, Alec Bohm from the Philadelphia Phillies, Adolis García from the Texas Rangers, Gunnar Henderson from the Baltimore Orioles, Marcell Ozuna from the Atlanta Braves, Jose Ramirez from the Cleveland Guardians, and Bobby Witt Jr. from the Kansas City Royals. Hernandez triumphed over Bobby Witt Jr. in a thrilling final, edging him out with a 14-13 victory in the final round.
Impressive performances in each round marked Hernandez’s journey to the title. He hit 13 home runs in the first round, trailing behind Adolis García’s 18. However, Hernandez rallied during the three-out bonus period, hitting six more home runs to surpass García and advance to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Hernandez faced Alec Bohm, who had hit a leading 21 home runs in the first round. Hernandez hit 13 home runs before entering the bonus period and added another homer to match Bohm’s total. In the subsequent swing-off, Hernandez hit two home runs, while Bohm managed only one, securing Hernandez’s spot in the final.
Hernandez and Witt Jr. engaged in a close contest in the final round. Hernandez hit 14 home runs, putting pressure on Witt Jr., who came close to forcing a swing-off but ultimately fell short when his final swing resulted in a deep fly ball that hit the fence instead of clearing it. With this victory, Hernandez won the $1 million prize and made history as the first Dodger to win the Home Run Derby. Hernandez would join Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith in the All-Star game the next day.
Past Winners
The Home Run Derby has seen various winners recently and is always covered by online gambling sites. In 2023, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays won the event, defeating Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final round. Guerrero Jr. hit a total of 72 home runs across three rounds. In 2022, Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals emerged victorious at Dodger Stadium, defeating Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners. Pete Alonso of the New York Mets won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2019, with the 2020 event being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hernandez’s victory was celebrated widely, with fans and teammates expressing their excitement on social media. The Dodgers’ official X (formerly known as Twitter) page highlighted Hernandez’s achievement, and Hernandez credited his teammate Shohei Ohtani for providing valuable advice that helped him succeed. Ohtani, who did not participate in the Derby due to rehabbing an injured pitching elbow, suggested that Hernandez focus on hitting to left-center field, which proved to be effective.
Looking ahead, the 2025 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby will be hosted by the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will mark the third time Atlanta has hosted the All-Star Game, with the last occurrence being in 2000 at Turner Field. The 2026 All-Star Game will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In conclusion, Teoscar Hernandez’s victory in the 2024 Home Run Derby was a historic moment for the Los Angeles Dodgers and a testament to his exceptional talent. As the first Dodger to win the event, Hernandez has set a new benchmark for future participants. The anticipation for next year’s All-Star festivities in Atlanta is already building, promising more exciting moments for baseball fans.