Bobby Witt Jr. comes in second place at the 2024 MLB Home Run Derby.

Kansas City made a strong comeback in the national baseball scene on Monday night at the Major League Baseball's 2024 Home Run Derby. Bobby Witt Jr., the shortstop for the Kansas City Royals, showcased his skills and finished as the runner-up, coming very close to winning the derby title. Hailing from Colleyville, Texas, the 24-year-old hit an impressive 20 home runs in the first round and followed it up with 17 more in the second round, defeating Jose Ramirez, the third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, to secure a spot in the finals.

Hernandez, who defeated Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm to advance to the finals, smacked 14 home runs. Witt Jr., with his brother-in-law James Russell on the mound, crushed 13 home runs. The Royals shortstop had 11 homers when his two-minute and 27-pitch limit expired in the finals. He then launched a deep home run with his back against the wall and two outs in the bonus period, extending his total to four outs. Witt Jr. proceeded to hit a 13th home run and was just one away from matching Hernandez when he swung at a pitch low and inside from Russell, resulting in his third out. On his final swing of the evening, Witt Jr. connected with a towering shot that ricocheted off the wall in deep left-center field for his fourth out, falling just short of the derby title.

Following the event, Witt Jr. turned to social media to share his excitement, posting "That was fun!" on the platform formerly known as Twitter. This Tuesday night, Witt Jr. will make his first appearance in the All-Star game, having been selected for the first time this July. The face of the Royals' franchise is one of four All-Stars, joining catcher Salvador Perez, and pitchers Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans.