In a thrilling display of power and precision, Teoscar Hernández emerged victorious in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby, becoming the first Los Angeles Dodgers player to claim the title. The final round against Bobby Witt Jr. was a nail-biter with Witt’s last swing falling just short of securing the win.
As Witt watched his final ball soar high and straightaway, he gave it a hopeful wave, but it wasn’t enough. Hernández’s victory was sealed with a score of 14 home runs in the final round, just edging out Witt’s 13. This triumph was especially sweet for Hernández, who had to claw his way from the lowest score among the four contestants who advanced past the first round.
The revamped format of the Derby introduced a 40-pitch limit in the initial round, with the top four sluggers advancing. Hernández, Alec Bohm, Jose Ramírez, and Witt made it through this somewhat underwhelming opening round. The new format, intended to add excitement, received mixed reviews as it struggled to deliver anticipated thrills.
In the second round, Hernández faced off against Bohm and secured his spot in the finals by hitting 16 home runs to Bohm’s 15. Witt beat Ramírez 17 home runs to 12 home runs as Witt advanced to the finals as well. This set the stage for their showdown for the home run crown. Hernández found his rhythm in the abbreviated final round, showcasing his power and consistency to clinch the victory.
Hernández win is a historic moment for the Dodgers and a personal career highlight. His performance in the Derby not only entertained fans but also solidified his status as one of the game’s premier power hitters.