While the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Blake Snell and reportedly remain involved in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, there has been a widely held expectation — if not public desire — for Teoscar Hernández to remain with the team.
Hernández turned down more lucrative offers in free agency last year in order to sign a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2024 season. Hernández’s deal included $8.5 million in deferred salary as well.
The All-Star outfielder took a chance on himself and embraced the opportunity to play for a World Series contender. That bet wound up paying off in spades as Hernández had a career season en route to reaching free agency for a second consecutive year.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio, Hernández is closing in on re-signing with the Dodgers, via the “Petros And Money” show:
“My understanding, talking to people around the league, they expect Teoscar Hernández to re-sign with the Dodgers. Many people around the league expect Teoscar Hernández and the Dodgers to find their way back to each other, and my understanding is the Dodgers and Teoscar are very much engaged and trying to nail the final details of a contract. Things are looking good for Teoscar Hernández and the Dodgers to be back together.”
Although there seemingly has been mutual interest between Hernández and the Dodgers from the outset of free agency, their pursuit of Soto has delayed a reunion.
Soto is thought to be nearing a decision amid receiving multiple contract offers of at least $600 million in value. The Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are believed to be the group of finalists for Soto.
The Red Sox and Yankees both reportedly view Hernández as a fallback option if they are one of the teams that fails to sign Soto.
Dodgers need Teoscar Hernández
With multiple holes in their outfield, the Dodgers face a strong need to re-sign Hernández. There also is the factor of clubhouse chemistry and Hernández providing a power bat from the right side to help balance the Dodgers lineup.