Adolis Garcia's rough 2024 continues as Rangers slugger falls short in Home Run Derby

Despite an incredibly successful year in 2023 for the reigning World Series Champions, Texas Rangers slugger Adolis García finished fifth among the eight contestants at the 2024 Home Run Derby on Monday night in front of the fans at Globe Life Field.

The Rangers' outfielder hit 18 home runs in an admirable effort, but was eliminated in the first round for the second consecutive year.

“I was content with my outing,” García said through interpreter Raul Cardenas outside the American League clubhouse. “It was very exciting and felt very loved by the fans. I just couldn’t perform the way they wanted me to. I still had a great time.”

With the Home Run Derby taking place at the Rangers' home park, the right fielder was welcomed back with deafening cheers surrounding him at the derby.

García hit all of his home runs during the regulation period and went 0-for-3 in the bonus round.

According to MLB, "García's 67 career home runs during the regular season at Globe Life are the most any player has hit since the park opened in 2020." Fans were hoping that the comfort of being in front of the home crowd would help propel him over the relatively unproven cast of derby contestants. Pete Alonso was really the only participant with a long track record of success in the event.

In the end, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández won the derby. This marks his first time winning the title. He hit 19 home runs in the first round, 16 in the semifinals, and 14 against Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr.'s 13 in a neck-and-neck final round.

Despite his showing, García is content on continuing to participate as long as he's asked to. He's not ready to let his journey end here.

“One of these I’m going to win it," García said.

More importantly, however, García upping his game in 2024 is a must if the Rangers want to improve during the second half. So far this year, he's hitting just .211 with a .682 OPS and 92 OPS+. In 91 games, he has 47 runs scored, 17 homers and 45 RBI. Last year, he had 108 runs scored, 39 homers and 107 RBI in 148 games, meaning he'll need a massive turnaround to come close to matching that production.

The Rangers currently sit at third in the American League West with an overall record of 46-50. When the All-Star fesitivities are over, reality will set in. It was nice to see García attempt to bring home another trophy for the team, but it was yet another missed opportunity for the Rangers, who can't seem to get on track in 2024.