The 2024 MLB Home Run Derby saw Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández emerge victorious in a thrilling contest at Globe Life Field. Hernández, who hit a total of 49 home runs across three rounds, became the first Dodgers player to win the derby — and we have all the highlights below.
The final round pitted Hernández against local favorite Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. In a nail-biting finish, Hernández edged out Witt 14-13. Witt, needing one homer to tie with one out left, came agonizingly close as his final drive hit the wall just shy of clearing the fence.
A touching moment came when Vladimir Guerrero Jr., last year’s champion and Hernández’s former Toronto Blue Jays teammate, showed up wearing Hernández’s old Blue Jays jersey. Guerrero offered support and advice to Hernández between rounds, helping him stay calm and focused.
The competition featured a new format this year, with the top four hitters from the first round advancing to the semifinals. Hernández faced Philadelphia’s Alec Bohm in one semifinal, while Witt took on Cleveland’s José Ramírez in the other.
Both matchups were closely contested, with Hernández requiring a tiebreaker to overcome Bohm.
Notable performances in the first round included Ramírez and Bohm each hitting 21 homers, setting the pace. Witt followed with 20, while Hernández managed 19. However, three-time champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets was eliminated early, hitting only 12 homers in the opening round.
The derby showcased impressive power, with Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves hitting the longest homer of the night at 473 feet, surpassing the in-game record at Globe Life Field.
Witt’s journey to the finals was particularly noteworthy. The 24-year-old, drafted second overall by the Royals in 2019, was competing in his first MLB Home Run Derby.
However, he had previously won a high school home run championship in 2018, making him the only player to compete in both contests.
Despite the sweltering heat outside, the event was held comfortably inside the air-conditioned Globe Life Field with its retractable roof closed.
Hernández’s victory was a testament to his power and consistency throughout the competition. His total of 49 homers traveled an impressive 3.98 miles, and his win provided exciting highlight to the All-Star festivities.
Take a watch at the full highlights from the competition —