On July 15, 2024, Teoscar Hernandez became the first player in Los Angeles Dodgers franchise history to be crowned Home Run Derby champion with his win over Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
The 31-year-old publicly lobbied for a spot in the Derby that year and was ultimately selected to appear in the event for the first time in his career. Hernández was not considered a favorite to win given the stiff competition in the rest of the field, including two-time Home Run Derby winner Pete Alonzo.
José Ramírez and Gunnar Henderson were also strong challengers. Ramírez finished with 39 home runs and Henderson hit 37 in the annual event.
Hernández hit 19 home runs in the first round, finishing as the No. 4 seed and advancing to face Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Alec Bohm in the semifinals matchup.
In the second round, Hernández and Bohm each blasted 14 homers, sending them to a swing-off. Hernández advanced to the finals with 16 homers, just edging Bohm’s 15.
That put Hernández in a matchup against Witt, who many picked to win the event.
Hernández was the Dodgers’ 12th different player to represent the team in the Home Run Derby, ending the franchise’s title drought after 14 attempts.
Teammates Tyler Glasnow, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and Shohei Ohtani were on hand to lend their support. Ohtani proved to be especially helpful, offering Hernández advice during timeouts.
Recent Dodgers Home Run Derby history
Hernández decided to skip the chance to participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby in the interest of remaining healthy for the rest of the season.
He spent nearly two weeks on the 10-day injured list earlier that year because of a left groin strain/adductor issue. There was initial concern the injury was going to keep him out long-term, but Hernández wound up making a speedy recovery.
Without Hernández, the Dodgers did not have a representative in the Home Run Derby for 2025. L.A. also did not have anyone participate in the 2026 event, which was won by St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Jordan Walker.
Before Mookie Betts and Hernández appeared in the Home Run Derby in consecutive years, Joc Pederson was the last Dodgers player to compete in the event during the 2019 season.
Pederson hit the second-highest single-round home run total of any player in the tournament but was eliminated in the semifinals after an epic showdown with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
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