Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wasn’t defending his Home Run Derby title, the Toronto Blue Jays slugger was on hand to show his support for a former teammate and fellow Domincan who won Monday’s event.
Guerrero Jr. sported a Teoscar Hernandez Blue Jays jersey on the field at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
“That was a surprise,” Hernandez told ESPN’s Buster Olney during the broadcast. “When I saw him yesterday, he said, ‘I’ve got a surprise for you, compadre, so we’re going to see you tomorrow.’ Now I see it’s a jersey, custom-made from the Toronto Blue Jays.
“That makes me feel great. I know the big support that he has for me. It’s exciting. It’s amazing what he did.”
Hernandez spent six seasons with the Blue Jays until he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2022. He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of this season.
The 31-year-old Hernandez mashed 19 homers during the opening round of the Home Run Derby and just made the cut to advance. He then edged Alec Bohm 16-15 in the semifinals and Bobby Witt Jr. 14-13 in the final round to win the crown.
Hernandez will compete in his second career All-Star Game on Tuesday with Guerrero Jr. set to appear in his fourth.