ARLINGTON, TX – The stakes and swings are about to get supersized in the Lone Star State this week, as Texas Rangers’ own Adolis García looks to outslug the competition at the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Hosted at the Globe Life Field, and scheduled for broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m. CT on Monday, García aims to impress in his second appearance at the Derby.
The Derby field this year is nothing short of stellar, boasting names like Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm, Bobby Witt Jr., Marcell Ozuna, and José Ramírez. A win for García would make him the third Ranger to clinch a Derby title, following in the footsteps of Ruben Sierra in 1989 and Juan Gonzalez in 1993.
Remarkably, this marks the fourth consecutive year a Ranger has participated in the Derby. García, who was ousted in the first round last year by close friend Randy Arozarena, is not to be underestimated this year, despite not making the All-Star team due to a recent slump. His stats are still strong; he leads the Rangers in extra base hits (32) and is tied with teammate Corey Seager for home runs (17).
This year’s Derby also introduces an intriguing new format. Instead of the traditional knockout phase from the start, all eight hitters will have their chance in three-minute rounds (or until 40 pitches) to hit as many homers as they can. Top performers then proceed to the one-on-one matchups in the semifinals and potentially the finals.
The semifinals will be organized according to the number of home runs hit in the initial round — the first seed against the fourth, and the second against the third. The final showdown will see contestants battling it out over two minutes, or a maximum of 27 pitches. Additional rules, such as bonus rounds after three outs, and the possibility of taking a timeout each round, add strategic depth to the competition.
As Monday approaches, all eyes will be on García and his competitors, who are all swinging for ultimate bragging rights and the title of Home Run Derby Champion.
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