In Arlington, Texas, Teoscar Hernández received unexpected encouragement during a critical moment at the Home Run Derby from last year’s champion and former teammate, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Guerrero Jr., donning Hernández’s Toronto jersey emblazoned with his name and number, stood by as a supportive presence, offering reassuring words that proved pivotal. Reflecting on this gesture, Hernández expressed surprise and deep gratitude, acknowledging Guerrero Jr.'s role in calming his nerves, especially as he prepared for the final round showdown against local favorite Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals.

Hernández, at 31 years old, secured the Home Run Derby title by narrowly defeating Witt Jr. with a score of 14-13 in a thrilling final round on Monday night. Across three rounds of competition, Hernández launched an impressive total of 49 home runs, covering a distance of approximately 3.98 miles. His victory not only marked a personal milestone but also made him the first player from the Dodgers franchise to claim the derby crown, setting a new precedent among the 11 Dodgers participants in the event's history.

Despite not participating in this year's derby, Guerrero Jr. played a crucial supporting role, offering invaluable advice to Hernández during breaks, reinforcing his confidence and determination to perform at his peak. When asked about feeling like an underdog, Hernández boldly asserted his self-belief, emphasizing that regardless of his opponent, he always placed his bet on his own abilities.

Witt Jr., making his derby debut, showcased formidable power by hitting a total of 50 homers, covering an impressive 3.8 miles throughout the competition. His journey included defeating Cleveland's José Ramírez in the semifinals with a score of 17-12. Hernández, meanwhile, secured his spot in the final by narrowly overcoming Philadelphia's Alec Bohm 16-15 in a tiebreaker round that underscored his tenacity and competitive spirit.

This year's derby format departed from previous editions, featuring the top four hitters from the initial round advancing to the semifinals, followed by a bracket-style competition to determine the champion. New York Mets' Pete Alonso, aiming for a historic third derby win, fell short early on, managing just 12 homers in the first round, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the competition despite his past successes.

Under the retractable roof of Globe Life Field, shielding fans from the scorching Texas heat, spectators were treated to awe-inspiring displays of power. Marcell Ozuna of Atlanta delivered the longest homer of the night at 473 feet. The event's atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of past derbies but enhanced by the stadium's modern amenities and the passion of baseball enthusiasts.

With each swing and every roar from the crowd, the Home Run Derby in Arlington not only celebrated the skill and strength of its participants but also underscored the camaraderie and sportsmanship that transcend competitive boundaries, epitomized by Guerrero Jr.'s supportive gesture towards Hernández.