The saga of Teoscar Hernández’s second free agency in as many years ultimately ended with the expected outcome, a reunion with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But it wasn’t in the quick fashion that many expected as the two sides faced a gap in negotiations that made it drag on longer than either side would have liked.
Hernández and the Dodgers ultimately agreed to a thee-year deal worth $66 million. Hernández’s contract also includes an option for a fourth season, signing bonus and, of course, deferred salary.
While Hernández was on the market, he drew interest from multiple other clubs, but none seemed to make a serious run at signing him. That may have been due to the belief he was staying with the Dodgers and the qualifying offer that was attached.
However, prior to re-signing with the Dodgers, the New York Mets checked in with the All-Star slugger to see if he would be interested in a two-year contract, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic:
The Mets looked into adding Teoscar Hernández, league sources said, before the veteran outfielder decided to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday for a three-year deal worth $66 million with a club option for a fourth year. A day earlier, the Mets checked in with Hernández to see if he was open to a two-year pact. The deal would’ve carried a similar annual average value to the contract he agreed to with the Dodgers but without deferrals, a league source said.
The Mets already signed the top free agent on the market, Juan Soto, to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, but with holes on their roster, they have continued spending and will continue looking to add more.
The Mets have additionally signed Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Clay Holmes and Griffin Canning to bolster their pitching staff, and they remain in discussions to retain Pete Alonso.
With Soto and Francisco Lindor, the Mets have a formidable duo at the top of their lineup, but would still benefit from at least one more addition, particularly a right-handed bat.
Along with the Mets, the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays were in the mix to sign Hernández, while the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees were interested before moving on to other options.
The 32-year-old is coming off a season in which he hit .272/.339/.501 with 32 doubles, 33 home runs, 99 RBI, 12 stolen bases and a 134 wRC+ en route to winning a third Silver Slugger Award and second selection to the All-MLB Team.
Hernández led all National League outfielders in home runs, slugging percentage, RBI and a 14.9% barrel rate.
Dodgers paying Teoscar Hernández deferred salary
Between his two Dodgers contracts, Hernández is now owed a total of $32 million in deferred salary. From his one-year, $23.5 million deal for the 2024 season, $8.5 million was deferred and due payable in $850,000 installments every July 1 from 2030-2039.
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