After competing last year alongside fellow Cubans Randy Arozarena and Luis Robert Jr., Adolis García of the Texas Rangers returns this Monday to the MLB Home Run Derby. He aims to leverage his home field advantage at Globe Life Field in Arlington to secure the grand prize: one million dollars.
Known as "El Bombi," García will face off against Dominican players José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians), Marcell Ozuna (Atlanta Braves), and Teoscar Hernández (Los Angeles Dodgers), as well as Americans Pete Alonso (New York Mets), Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), and Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles).
However, the native of Ciego de Ávila has one disadvantage. According to journalist Francys Romero on Facebook, only Yoenis Céspedes (2013, 2014) has won this competition among players born in Cuba. Despite this, MLB.com notes that García could become the fourth host player to win the event and the first since Bryce Harper for the Washington Nationals in 2018. The anticipation is high, especially since he brings previous experience, as recalled by Swing Completo on Instagram.
Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won't be defending his title this year, the competition will feature another son of a former MLB player, Bobby Witt Jr., while Alonso will be aiming for his third crown, having won in 2019 and 2021. This year's format includes some changes. The first round will no longer have predetermined matchups; instead, all eight batters will compete simultaneously, with the top four advancing to the semifinals.
At that stage, the format shifts to a 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 setup, determined solely by the number of home runs hit in the initial round, disregarding regular season performance. According to MLB.com, both the first round and semifinals will end after three minutes or 40 pitches, whichever comes first, excluding the bonus period, which will be explained later.
The final round will conclude after two minutes or 27 pitches, again excluding the bonus period. In 2023, it marked the first time since the event's inception in 1985 that three Cuban-born players participated.
Key Insights on Adolis García in the Home Run Derby
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Adolis García's participation in the MLB Home Run Derby, providing more context on his chances and the event's dynamics.
Who are the notable competitors in this year's Home Run Derby?
Notable competitors include José Ramírez, Marcell Ozuna, Teoscar Hernández, Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm, Bobby Witt Jr., and Gunnar Henderson.
What changes have been made to the Home Run Derby format this year?
This year, the first round will feature all eight batters competing together, with the top four advancing to the semifinals. The matchups will be determined by the number of home runs hit in the initial round.
Has a Cuban-born player ever won the Home Run Derby?
Yes, Yoenis Céspedes won the Home Run Derby in 2013 and 2014, making him the only Cuban-born player to have won the event.