Free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández may have his choice of landing spots in 2025. In 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the corner outfielder had a career-high in home runs with 33 and barely missed the century mark with runs batted in (99). He also hit close to .280 with runners in scoring position this year. That ability should not be overlooked in the World Series victory run for Los Angeles. As if that wasn’t enough, Hernández was also selected to his second All-Star Game, won the Home Run Derby, and just collected his third Silver Slugger Award.
Three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Teoscar Hernández. pic.twitter.com/3yhOdr6Fn0
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 12, 2024
Brief Contract History
After having a down year with the Seattle Mariners, the left-fielder was offered a multi-year $28 million contract by the Boston Red Sox. However, he chose to sign a one-year deal with the Dodgers for $26.5 million. The bet paid off and Hernández has multiple suitors vying for his services.
Potential Landing Spots for Teoscar Hernández
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox, who were spurned in the last offseason by Hernández, are said to be in pursuit yet again. Tyler O’Neill, who played right field for Boston this year is also a free agent. He had 31 home runs this year, but was injury-prone. Although O’Neill may be better defensively than Hernández, the latter has been able to stay healthy and could be a fit to patrol right field at Fenway.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are losing Anthony Santander to free agency, so Hernández would be a potential replacement for the power-hitter. The Orioles’ lineup is also left-handed heavy at the moment. The 32-year-old could provide balance as well as a clutch bat in crucial situations. Baltimore will be battling the New York Yankees in the regular season and beyond. So it’s easy to see how they would want to add another slugger into the mix. However, it remains to be seen how much they would pay Hernández, who may want to capitalize after his banner year.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are said to be aggressively in on free agent outfielder Juan Soto. Mets owner Steve Cohen is flying to California to meet with Soto and his agent Scott Boras. The Mets are expected to offer top dollar to the 26-year-old. However, if Soto rejects the Mets for greener pastures, New York is said to be interested in signing Hernández, as he seems to thrive under the bright lights in the Big Apple. They could use increased production from the outfield as well.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have enough money and pull to entice the power hitter to the Bronx. If they miss out on the Soto sweepstakes, Hernández would likely be a target. New York witnessed firsthand the kind of damage he can do in the clutch moments. Hernández carried the Dodgers to a series win in the Bronx back in June when he hit multiple home runs and drove in several runs. He had an encore in the Fall Classic, smashing a two-out, two-run game-tying double to erase what had been a five-run deficit in Game Five. The Dodgers closed out the series in New York. No doubt the Yankees would like to have Teoscar use his talents for them instead of against them in the near future.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles seems to be reluctant to pay what Juan Soto is asking, and seems keen on a Hernández reunion. The left-fielder has made it no secret that he wishes to stay in LA. Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes also said that bringing Hernández back is “a top priority.” Frankly, the Dodgers don’t win the World Series without him. Hernández’s ability to get clutch hits in big situations allowed the Dodgers to overcome an injury-plagued season and smashed the prior team narrative of postseason failure. The Dodgers also announced that Mookie Betts will be moving back to the infield next season. Two corner outfield stops are now open. Andy Pages and Dalton Rushing are both options but are not the veteran presence that Hernandez is.
It is easy to see the clubhouse and fan favorite back in Dodger Blue if Andrew Friedman offers a multi-year deal, with a player option. But until the ink is dry, one never knows where Hernandez lands.
Photo Credit: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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