The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed one of their two major needs early in free agency with the reported signing of Blake Snell to a five-year contract.
Entering the offseason, starting pitching and the outfield were the two primary focuses for the Dodgers. With Snell now in the mix, they can focus on adding to their outfield.
The primary names connected to the Dodgers have been connected to are Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández thus far. Either would be a huge boost to their current group of outfielders.
But according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Hernández stands out as the more likely option for the Dodgers to sign:
And while the Dodgers will remain in the mix for free-agent outfielder Juan Soto, if only to jack up the price for the other bidders, signing him was a longshot from the start. The return of Teoscar Hernández looms as a more realistic possibility.
While the Mets remain the favorite for Soto, the Dodgers were reportedly one of the clubs to meet with the superstar and submit a contract offer to him.
Soto is expected to receive a record contract, and with the Dodgers already committing so much money to other players, it’s hard to see them winning a bidding war. However, that possibility also can’t totally be ruled out.
As for Hernández, he has made it well known he’d like to return to the Dodgers, but he will have no shortage of suitors either. Hernández is unlikely to sign until Soto is off the board as waiting should increase his market and potential salary.
The Dodgers seemingly have an edge to sign Hernández based on his wish of staying, fit inside the clubhouse and their need for a corner outfielder. His status as a fan-favorite could play into that decision as well.
It’s likely the Dodgers end up with at least one of the two players, but for now, things seem to depend on where Soto decides to play.
Teoscar Hernández free agency interest
Along with the Dodgers, Hernández has also received interest from a few American League East clubs, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles.
If the Dodgers do not sign Hernández, the Red Sox are considered the next favorites for him after they also made an attempt to sign him last offseason.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
