Who won the 2024 MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby?

In a night filled with high drama and soaring dingers, Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández emerged as the unlikely champion of the 2024 Home Run Derby, held under the dazzling lights of Globe Life Field in Arlington. The Derby, with its blend of young stars and seasoned veterans, delivered a spectacle that left fans breathless.

Teoscar Hernández, making his first Derby appearance, clinched the crown in a nail-biting final against Kansas City Royals’ rising star Bobby Witt Jr. Witt, who had blasted 37 home runs through the earlier rounds, came tantalizingly close to a dramatic finish. His final swing in bonus time sent a ball rocketing 406 feet to dead center, just missing a homer by inches, which would have forced a swing-off with Hernández.

Hernández, fueled by a crucial timeout and a pep talk from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., found his rhythm and sent five homers out of the park in six swings. His longest of the night was a 454-foot moonshot, and he averaged a hefty 430 feet on his 14 homers in the final round, including two 449-foot bombs in bonus time.

The semifinals were equally electrifying. Hernández and Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm ended their round tied, leading to a swing-off. Hernández triumphed with two homers to Bohm’s one, advancing to face Witt in the final. Bohm, who had been the tournament’s Cinderella story with only 11 regular-season homers, captivated the crowd by hitting 21 in the first round and another 14 in the semifinals.

Witt Jr. also had his moment in the semis, defeating Cleveland Guardians’ José Ramírez by hitting 11 of his 17 homers after a well-timed timeout. Ramírez, despite a stellar first round where he matched Bohm’s 21 homers, couldn’t keep up in the semifinals, hitting only 12.

In the first round, favorites like Pete Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, and hometown hero Adolis García were eliminated early, paving the way for new faces to shine. García thrilled the crowd with his power surge but ultimately fell short, while Bohm and Witt Jr. advanced with impressive showings.

As the dust settled, the spotlight belonged to Hernández. His victory marked the first time a Dodger had won the Derby, and he joined an elite group of Dominican-born players to claim the title, alongside legends like Vladimir Guerrero Sr., David Ortiz, and Sammy Sosa. The night ended with reigning champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrating with Hernández, hinting at a possible return next year if Hernández defends his title.

This year’s Derby was a reminder of baseball’s thrilling unpredictability and the power of persistence. Teoscar Hernández, the underdog, now stands tall as the Home Run Derby champion.