Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández triumphed over Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to win the Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field on Monday night. Hernández was one of eight participants in the revamped three-round derby format this year.
Hernández hit 19 home runs in the first round, just surpassing hometown favorite Adolis García, to advance to the semifinal. There, he narrowly defeated Alec Bohm 2-1 in a swing-off. Hernández then moved on to the finals, where he edged out Witt 14-13 to claim the title.
Despite Hernández’s victory, Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas named teammate Tyler Glasnow the “MVP” of the Home Run Derby.
“I gave a special mention to Tyler Glasnow,” Rojas told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain on Dodgers Dugout Live. “I called Tyler Glasnow the MVP of the night. He was with Teo the entire time, supporting him through every round and every timeout.”
Unlike several of his teammates, Glasnow is not married and does not have children, which allowed him to stay by Hernández’s side and support him throughout the event.
“I’ve never been an All-Star, but I know how tough it is to stay up so late when you’re supposed to be on break,” Rojas explained. “A lot of people questioned where the rest of the guys were. They have families and commitments. But Tyler Glasnow stayed by Teo’s side the whole time.”
Although Hernández was the one who won the Derby, becoming the first-ever Dodger to do so, Glasnow’s consistent support was a notable display of teamwork. This was only the first year Glasnow and Hernández have been teammates on the Dodgers, yet Glasnow was there cheering Hernández on throughout his Derby success.