Teoscar Hernández might not defend his Home Run Derby crown this year unless he makes the All-Star team. The Dodgers slugger, who just signed a $66 million deal to stay in LA, is taking a practical approach to the fan-favorite event.
“Right now, I don’t think I’m gonna go,” Hernández said on Foul Territory. “If I’m going to do it, I want to be in the All-Star Game. I don’t want to go just for the Derby.”
It’s a pretty reasonable stance. The Derby isn’t just a fun exhibition – it’s actually really demanding on players.
Imagine taking full-power swings rapid-fire for several minutes straight. That’s what these guys deal with, and many end up exhausted by the final round.
The travel doesn’t help either. This year’s event is in Atlanta, and the Dodgers will be finishing up in San Francisco right before. That’s a lot of extra flying just for one night if you’re not staying for the All-Star Game itself.
Hernández knows what he’s talking about – he crushed it in last year’s Derby on his way to winning the whole thing. The 32-year-old also had a stellar season, hitting .272 with 33 homers in his first year as a Dodger.
Many Derby champs don’t come back for another try. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2023 winner) and Juan Soto (2022 winner) both skipped defending their titles the following year.
Only three players have ever won back-to-back Derbies:
– Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99)
– Yoenis Cespedes (2013-14)
– Pete Alonso (2019 and 2021)
Prince Fielder is the only other player with multiple Derby wins, taking the crown in 2009 and 2012.
For now, Hernández is focused on helping the Dodgers chase another World Series title. But if he makes the All-Star team? Don’t be surprised to see him taking another swing at Derby glory in Atlanta.
