The Los Angeles Dodgers made their re-signing of Teoscar Hernández official late last week, holding a press conference on Friday, Jan. 3, to welcome the All-Star outfielder back to the team.
Hernández’s new deal was announced as a three-year contract worth $66 million that also includes a team option for the 2028 season. It was reported he received a $23 million signing bonus and $23.5 million in deferred money with a buyout for the final year of $6.5 million or a $15 million option.
Hernández is set to receive a base pay of $10 million in the first year, $12 million in the second year and $14.5 million following that, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Furthermore, $7.5 million will be deferred in the first year of Hernández’s’s new contract while each of the next two seasons will have $8 million in deferrals:
Details on Teoscar Hernández's new Dodgers contract and deferrals, per source:
$23 million signing bonus
2025: $10 million ($7.5 million of which is deferred)
2026: $12 million ($8 million deferred)
2027: $14.5 million ($8 million deferred)— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) January 7, 2025
When factoring in the option, Hernández can earn a total of $81 million under the contract. At minimum he’ll receive $72.5 million even if the Dodgers end Hernández’s contract after the three years by paying the buyout amount.
However, the present value of the deal will check in at less than the total amount due to the deferrals, so Hernandez’s average annual value counting against the luxury tax will be lower than the $22 million dollar figure if it did not include deferrals.
Hernández said he passed on more money to re-sign with the Dodgers, passing up on around $5 to $6 million more from other teams.
“For me, money wasn’t an issue,” he said. “I could’ve waited for more offers from other teams, but the money wasn’t going to be the difference.”
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.
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.
Dodgers fans played part in Teoscar Hernández re-signing
Hernández reflected on his 2024 season and highlighted the unwavering support he received from Dodgers fans, which influenced his free agency decision.
“A huge part,” he answered when asked if the support from fans convinced him to stay in L.A. “When you have a fanbase like the Dodgers fanbase rooting for you, thinking about you, wanting you to come back and play for this wonderful organization, it means a lot. That played a key part in my decision to sign back with the Dodgers.”
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