Dodgers slugger Hernández wins MLB Home Run Derby

The 2024 winner of the MLB Home Run Derby is a Los Angeles Dodger.

Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández captured the home run crown Monday evening, the first Dodger in the history to win the beloved event.

Hernández hit a total of 49 homers through the competition.

He battled in the final round with Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., edging out his opponent with a final score of 14 to 13.

The Dodgers All Star eliminated Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm in the semifinals, taking the win after a swing-off after both sluggers notched 14 home runs.

Prior to that, Hernández hit 19 dingers in the opening round, advancing to the semifinals and earning the fourth-seed in the elimination tournament.

Pete Alonso of the New York Mets was eliminated in the first round after hitting only 12 homers, putting a hold on his pursuit to join Ken Griffey Jr. as a three-time derby champion.

This was the 31-year-old Dominican’s first appearance in the Home Run Derby. It’s also his first year as a member of the Dodgers.

The field of competitors lacked some of the big names of the National League and American League, including each league’s home run leaders in New York Yankees star Aaron Judge and Hernández’s teammate Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani had previously voiced interest in competing, but ultimately decided to sit this one out to allow himself some extra time to recover from elbow surgery.

Hernández and Ohtani will share the field Tuesday during the MLB All Star Game, alongside fellow Dodgers in first baseman Freddie Freeman and catcher Will Smith.

Shortstop Mookie Betts and starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow, also named 2024 National League All Stars, are not expected to play.

The All Star Game take place Tuesday at 5 p.m. exclusively on Fox.

For complete results of the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby, click here.