Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández is now a free agent. Hernández will no doubt look to capitalize on his breakout season in 2024. The right-handed hitter and the Dodgers have a mutual interest in the outfielder returning to the current World Champions. The Dodgers did extend a qualifying offer to Hernández but have yet to hear from the reigning Home Run Derby champ. There is no doubt that other teams will be interested as well. It is almost certain that he will reject the offer in favor of a multi-year deal.
Jon Heyman believes Teoscar Hernandez will sign 3 years, $60 million.
Brandon Gomes mentioned Dodgers want to bring him back. pic.twitter.com/bpIHLYPzCh
— The Incline: Dodgers Podcast (@TheInclinePod) November 8, 2024
Teoscar Hernández Looking for a Home as Free Agent
Contract History
Last winter, Hernández was offered a two-year contract worth $28 million by the Boston Red Sox. However, he chose to sign a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers. This gave Hernández the freedom to test the free agent market in 2025, should he do well. Boy, did he ever.
Season Highlights
This year, Hernández had a .272 batting average with a career-high 33 home runs and 99 runs batted in. This is pretty noteworthy considering he hit in the middle of the lineup consisting of All-Stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. It is a pretty safe bet to assume the Dodgers would not have reached the World Series without “Mr. Seeds.” As great as Ohtani is, he was still adjusting to life with a new club. He barely hit above .230 with runners in scoring position during the regular season. Mookie Betts missed significant time with a broken hand, and Freddie Freeman had various injuries and a family emergency as well.
Given the opportunity, Hernández thrived in clutch situations. He hit near .280 with runners in scoring position and was “the butter and egg man” as Vin Scully would say. He continued to produce through the regular season and into the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres. “Mr. Clutch” was sorely needed because despite being a team loaded with superstars, the Dodgers seemed to struggle in recent years when the lights were brightest in the regular season and beyond.
He did occasionally struggle in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets and again in the World Series against the New York Yankees. Still, it is obvious that Los Angeles is not in a position to win it all without Hernández.
Other Accolades
As a reward for his consistency this year, Hernández received a selection to the National League All-Star team. Shortly afterward, he got an invite to participate in the Home Run Derby. This was the type of competition that would underscore his value in clutch situations. He ended up winning the event.
Interest in the Open Market
The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, who need to increase their outfield production, each have an interest in the right fielder’s services. However, it remains to be seen if either franchise is willing to give a three-year, $60 million contract that Hernández is rumored to cost.
Will He Stay in LA?
With the seemingly unlimited resources and the Dodgers moving Mookie Betts back to the infield, there is no question Los Angeles has room for Teoscar. The Dodgers front office has indicated they would like Hernández back as well.
With the dream season Hernández just had, he will have no shortage of choices. The only question is, what choice will the World Champion make?
Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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