In search of a right-handed hitting position player during the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Teoscar Hernández to a one-year, $23.5 million contract.
The 31-year-old was originally projected to land a multi-year deal despite coming off a down season with the Seattle Mariners, but his market never developed.
Hernández elected to sign a short-term contract with the Dodgers for an opportunity to win a World Series and potentially test free agency after a potentially productive year.
The move proved beneficial to both sides as Hernández has been one of the team’s most productive hitters, which is not lost on Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“He’s been invaluable,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “A guy that can go to left field, right field, doesn’t bat an eye where he bats in the order, versus left, versus right, 1s and 2s (top pitchers) – he doesn’t duck anyone. he’s in there. Day game after night game, he’s in there. It doesn’t matter.”
Hernández put together an impressive first half that culminated with earning a second career All-Star Game appearance and getting to participate in the Home Run Derby.
Hernández has excelled in the middle of the Dodgers lineup, taking advantage of ample opportunities with runners in scoring while hitting behind the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and and Freddie Freeman. Even when falling into a lull like his recent stretch, Hernández remains a power threat capable of impacting the game at any moment.
Defensively speaking, Hernández has played both corner outfield positions this season, but his biggest contributions have come from his bat.
Hernández is set to reach the open market at the end of the season, but has stated that he would like to re-sign with the Dodgers.
Teoscar Hernández received advice from Shohei Ohtani
Hernández became the first Dodgers player to win a Home Run Derby, hitting 49 total homers in the competition. Shohei Ohtani was among the Dodgers on hand to lend their support to Hernández at Globe Life Field, and he provided key input.
“He said to hit the ball to left-center, to not pull it,” Hernández recalled of advice he received from Ohtani. “Because I had a better chance. Because the way my swing is, to go over there. It’s far, but he said, ‘It’s better for you.’”
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