Adolis Garcia’s participation in Home Run Derby could finally get him going in 2024

The defending World Series champion Texas Rangers have had a rather disappointing season. Heading into this weekend's series against the Houston Astros, Texas is 44-49, seven games back of first place in the American League West and 7.5 games back in the Wild Card race. Adolis Garcia has also struggled in 2024, as despite having hit 17 home runs, he is hitting for a poor .215 average with a .694 OPS.

As such, Garcia was left off the American League All-Star roster. However, he will be taking part in the Home Run Derby, and he'll do it in front of the home fans at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Perhaps his choice to participate in the Derby despite not being an All-Star will help him get going in the second half of the season.

Adolis Garcia's Derby participation could spark second-half surge with Rangers

Garcia may not have made the All-Star team, but he does have a chance to do something special. He could find a way to win the Derby in front of the home fans in Arlington. And if he can do that, it's possible that the excitement could spark a second-half surge.

Garcia's 2024 season hasn't been a total loss, as in addition to his 17 home runs, he has knocked in 45 runs. Nevertheless, his average and OPS certainly leave a lot to be desired, and he seems to be mired in the same funk that's consumed the rest of the roster, post-title run.

The good thing is that the All-Star festivities are taking place at his home stadium, and he'll have a chance to get the home crowd rolling with a strong derby performance. Perhaps he'll be able to feed off the energy and support from Rangers fans and do what he could not do in 2023: advance in the Derby field under the new format, with best friend Randy Arozarena no longer standing in his way.

It will be interesting to see how he does in the Derby and if a strong performance will help him get right as the second half of the 2024 season approaches.