The 2024 MLB Home Run Derby winner is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who defeated the Kansas City Royals phenom in a thrilling game Monday night at Globe Life Field Bobby Witt.
This year’s derby uses a new format – the top four advance to the semi-finals, followed by the usual head-to-head showdown.
Hernandez, who hit 14 home runs in the final round, had to sit back and wait for Waiter to find an opportunity to tie him or knock him out.
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Teoscar Hernández, No. 37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers, poses for T-Mobile at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas A hit in the home run derby. (Stacey Revere/Getty Images)
Witt entered the bonus round with 11 homers and needed three to tie Hernandez and four to win.
With one out and just one homer needed, Witt hit 102 mph with a good angle to center field.
However, his shot hit the deepest part of the court and hit the wall, needing only a few more feet.
Hernandez watched the ball fly through the air the entire time and celebrated when he saw it stayed inside.
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Hernandez, 31, is the oldest player to win the Home Run Derby since David Ortiz did it in 2010 at age 34.
Hernandez, who is tied for 14th in the MLB with 19 homers so far this season, has long wanted to participate in the hallowed All-Star Weekend festivities and is a member of his former Toronto Blue Jays team. With the help of teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he secured the victory.
Bobby Witt Jr., No. 7, of the Kansas City Royals during the T at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas -Mobile reached the semifinals in the Home Run Derby. (Jean Wang/Getty Images)
The semifinal matchup between Hernandez and Philadelphia Phillies star Alec Boehm was exciting as the game ended up being a swing game with each batter having to strike out just three times That’s 14 home runs.
Hernandez, the lower seed, hit three homers in the first and two more. Boehm had a chance to reach the championship round with just one homer in the bonus round, but couldn’t finish it off, losing the game in just one-third of his swing.
If Boehm’s final swing in the semifinals had not been fouled, this swing probably wouldn’t have happened because it did go some distance but didn’t stop inside the left field foul pole.
Witt had an easier time in the semifinals, beating Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez 17-12. He had some time to regroup when Boehm and Hernandez were at the plate.
New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso enters his fifth consecutive Home Run Derby in pursuit of his third career Home Run Derby title, but in a new format where only the top four advance, he Didn’t make it to the first round.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez No. 37 at T-Mobile Home Plate at Globe Life Field on July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas Hitting the ball in the derby. (Jean Wang/Getty Images)
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Baltimore Orioles phenom Gunnar Henderson finished last in the first round with 11 home runs, while Atlanta Braves veteran Marcell Ozuna and hometown favorite Adolis Garcia also Failed to advance.
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