MLB announced Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez as the final member of the Home Run Derby roster on Wednesday.
Hernandez joins a group that includes Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell OzunaCleveland Guardians Third base Jose Ramirez and Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, who was also named to the camp on Wednesday.
Garcia, who helped the Rangers win the World Series last season and was named MVP of the American League Championship Series, will represent the home team in the Derby at Globe Life Field in Texas. He is competing in the Derby for the second consecutive year.
The format of this year’s Home Run Derby has been modified amid concerns that the fast pace of previous events increased the risk of injuries. The first two rounds will retain their three-minute time limit, but batters will be limited to 40 swings. Previously, swings were unlimited, encouraging batters to take as many as they could in the three-minute time frame. That format produced an average of more than 43 swings per round in 2023.
