Teoscar Hernández enjoyed a successful season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024 and seemingly was one of their focal points in free agency.
Despite interest from both sides on reaching an agreement, it was a drawn-out process throughout the winter. It ultimately ended with the Dodgers re-signing Hernández to a three-year, $66 million contract. His deal included a $23 million signing bonus and $15 million team option for 2028 with a $6.5 million buyout.
Hernández additionally joined a growing list of Dodgers to have deferred salary, with his total checking in at $23.5 million.
But while he returned to the Dodgers, it came at a new position with the team. Hernández has exclusively played right field this season, which is his preferred position.
However, that’s put him under a microscope at various points throughout the season as he appeared to struggle with reads, running and making catches that high relatively high probabilities of being completed.
Two plays in a disappointing loss to the Colorado Rockies last week were particularly glaring and prompted more calls for Hernández to be moved to left field.
Hernández has responded with improved play in right field during the time since, including with a sliding catch on Friday night.
“Just working a little bit on my reaction, on my jumps during batting practice, trying to get better,” Hernández explained after the Dodgers had their four-game winning streak snapped by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“Obviously, I’m not doing the best hitting, so I have to put a little more effort on the defensive side so I can help the team in something.”
Hernández added he has not implemented any changes amid his focus on contributing defensively in right field.
“Taking reps, seeing the ball off the bat and trying to make the best reaction that I can,” Hernández explained.
At the plate, Hernández is batting just .247/.283/.456 with 25 doubles, 21 home runs and 77 RBI to go along with a 101 wRC+.
Teoscar Hernández defense
Hernández has a -9 Outs Above Average this season, which is in line with how he rated out in left field last year. He’s also produced an 84% catch percentage that is equal to 2024 as well.
One difference, however, is Hernández has had an 88% expected catch rate this season compared to 86% last year.
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