The Los Angeles Dodgers greatly benefitted from brining in Teoscar Hernández prior to the 2024 season, receiving elite production from the slugger after he signed a one-year contract.
Hernández appeared in 154 games during the regular season, batting .272/.339/.501 with 32 doubles, two triples, 33 home runs, 99 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He led National League outfielders in home runs, slugging percentage and RBI during a storybook season.
Entering the offseason, the Dodgers placed the qualifying offer on Hernández, to which he expectedly declined. Now he’s available to sign with any team, but with the draft pick compensation attached if there’s not a return to the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have been in discussions with Hernández, but the Boston Red Sox also have strong interest in him as well, and those two clubs seem to be in the lead for his services, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
“If Teoscar does not go back to Dodger Stadium for 2025, I’m going to make this bold prediction here on November the 22nd, I believe he will go to the American League East. He has phenomenal career numbers at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have been linked and mentioned a little bit with Juan Soto. I’ll tell you right now based on what I’ve been told, I’d be surprised if Juan Soto becomes a Red Sox.
“So if Juan Soto goes somewhere else, and that somewhere else would most likely be New York City. So if Juan Soto signs with the Yankees or Mets, get ready to listen to a lot of conversations about Teoscar and the Boston Red Sox.
“I could also see the Baltimore Orioles being involved there too, but I think the top two candidates right now to sign Teoscar Hernández are the Dodgers and Red Sox.”
The Red Sox had interest in Hernández last offseason as well. Betting on himself, he posted an amazing year, which included making Dodgers franchise history as their first Home Run Derby winner.
Hernández will be linked to teams that could use outfield help, but his openness of a desired return to the Dodgers was well-documented throughout the 2024 season.
The New York Yankees are another option for Hernández, if they miss out on Juan Soto. The Baltimore Orioles have also been reported as a potential landing spot as well.
Still, the Dodgers and Hernández both would benefit from getting a deal done, but he has options regardless of what happens.
Potential Teoscar Hernández contract
Coming off a World Series title, Silver Slugger Award and perhaps the best year of his career, Hernández is likely to receive a contract that will be a significant increase in total compensation from his last deal.
According to Spotrac, contract projections for Hernández stand in the three-year, $71 million range. But, if interest greatly increases, a team might have to add on a fourth year to sign him.
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