Teoscar Hernández put together an impressive first half of the season and then delivered one of the more memorable All-Star Week showcases in Los Angeles Dodgers franchise history.
Hernández started off the festivities by winning the 2024 Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field behind an improbable survival and success story. The 31-year-old slugged 19 home runs in the first round, placing him in the top four to advance.
Later defeating Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Alec Bohm in the second round and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. in the finals, Hernández became the first Dodgers player to ever win the Home Run Derby.
Playing in all but two of the team’s 98 games this season, signing a one-year contract with the Dodgers is looking like the right move, which Hernández noted per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I said I’m going to bet on myself,” he said. “With this team, I’m going to have a good season. I’m going to learn. Now that I know the (free agent) process and I know everything, I’m going to be ready if I have to go through it again.”
Earlier this season, Hernández voiced his love for the Dodgers and how much he’d enjoy staying within the organization. Hernández has now expanded on that sentiment and expressed a desire to sign a contract extension with the Dodgers in order to avoid free agency:
“I don’t want to,” he said of returning to free agency. “If I got the chance to stay here for two, three years I would like to stay. I like everything that this team, this organization, they do. For me, I’d feel really good if they come to me and offer me an extension.”
Hernández is set to become a free agent following the 2024 season, and a thin class of outfielders creates the likelihood of a much more lucrative and multi-year deal.
The Dodgers have leaned on Hernández without Max Muncy and Mookie Betts in the lineup, making him a key piece of their current roster.
Hernández is already beloved by the fanbase, and per his teammates, is a big clubhouse presence and extremely supportive as well. The veteran dealt with a down year in his final season with the Seattle Mariners, but with the Dodgers, feels right at home.
Should Dodgers sign Teoscar Hernández to contract extension?
Without factoring money into the equation, the Dodgers have a definite need in their outfield for some stability. Hernández is the only starting outfielder they have with a great deal of productive time in Major League Baseball.
The Dodgers keeping a productive, middle-of-the-order bat around for a few seasons would align with their current window, allowing them to shore up at least one corner outfield spot.
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