Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez Reveals What It’ll Take to Defend Home Run Derby Title
When Teoscar Hernandez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent last season, he wasn’t exactly a household name with those who bleed Dodger Blue.
By the end of the year, he became an indispensable member of the team, a World Series hero, one of the most popular players on the roster, and the 2024 Home Run Derby champion.
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During the regular season, Hernandez clubbed 33 home runs en route to an excellent inaugural season. The derby field included some big boppers in Hernandez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adolis Garcia, Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, Jose Ramirez, Marcell Ozuna, and Alec Bohm.
Hernandez narrowly made the top-four with 19 home runs (the lowest of any semifinalist). He then bested Bohm by one homer to make the finals, going head-to-head with superstar Witt Jr.
With a flair for the dramatics, Hernandez outlasted Witt Jr. by one homer to take the derby crown. Many are wondering if Hernandez will reenter the field in 2025.
In an interview with teammates Mookie Betts for his Bleacher Report show, Hernandez revealed what it will take to do the Home Run Derby again.
“Maybe I’m gonna do it again. Maybe. If I’m an All-Star, maybe. I’m not gonna go over there just for the (Home Run Derby).”
Two months before this year’s regular season began, Hernandez said the same thing with the Foul Territory crew.
Being in his apex prime, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Hernandez become an All-Star within the National League in 2025. If he’s not, surely he’ll garner an invite to the derby as the defending champ. From there, he may have to revisit his initial stance and see if the allure of performing in the fun event is something he ultimately can’t pass up.
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Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
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