The Los Angeles Dodgers officially welcomed back Teoscar Hernández on Friday, announcing the multi-year contract and holding a press conference at Dodger Stadium that was attended by general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts.
Hernández signed a three-year, $66 million contract that includes a team option for the 2028 season. Hernández received a $23 million signing bonus and his deal also has $23.5 million in deferred salary.
While Hernández re-signing with the Dodgers was the expected outcome, his free agency process included drawing interest from other teams.
“Honestly, when I went to free agency, I think I made it clear that the Dodgers were the priority and I was going to do everything in my power to come back,” Hernández said during the press conference.
“For me, money wasn’t an issue. I could’ve waited for more offers from other teams, but the money wasn’t going to be the difference. I could get, like, $5 or $6 million more from other teams, but if you put me in a place where I had to decide, I would’ve decided to come back.
“Just because the way this organization is, the way this organization treats family and the players, to me that is more important than anything.”
Speculation with Hernández’s contract details were largely thought to be on the number of years desired. Ultimately, he got both the years and overall value. The Dodgers were able to offload a fair amount of money with deferrals, falling in line with their recent contract structure for big-money deals.
Hernández batted .272/.339/.501 and led all National League outfielders with 33 home runs last season. He earned a third Silver Slugger Award and his second career selection to the All-MLB Team.
Teoscar Hernández and Dodgers are perfect fit
In his one-year deal with the Dodgers for 2024, Hernández exceeded all expectations of his production.
Hernández had the capability of hitting in a premium part of the Dodgers lineup while performing in the most clutch of moments. The Dodgers leaned on the 32-year-old, and he rewarded them.
That included the game-tying double in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, which the Dodgers went on to win. Hernández made the most of that initial run, becoming a fan favorite, and now a mainstay for at least three more years.
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