Dodgers Free Agent Outfielder Expected to Command Multi-Year Contract This Offseason: Report
At the end of every season, each team is vulnerable to losing key players that reach free agency. For the Dodgers, one of their six National League All-Stars is a pending free agent who is expected to attract a lucrative multi-year contract.
Teoscar Hernández, who will turn 32 in October, will be a free agent at the end of this season. Hernández was a free agent last offseason, but the market did not provide the quality of offers the outfielder was hoping for. Instead of a multi-year deal, Hernández signed a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers in January.
Since joining the Dodgers, Hernández has played a significant role in the Dodgers lineup. He has made 79 starts at left field and 49 at right field, making him the Dodgers’ most-used outfielder.
His defensive and offensive performances earned Hernández the second MLB All-Star selection of his career. Hernández had not been named an MLB All-Star since 2021 when he played for the Blue Jays. That season, he logged career-highs in runs (92), hits (163), total bases (288), home runs (32), RBIs (116), batting average (.296), and on-base percentage (.346).
Hernández’s batting ability has significantly benefited the Dodgers this season. The reigning MLB Home Run Derby champion is slashing .264/.328/.485 this season. Hernández is closing in on a new career-high in home runs, needing six more to pass his 32 in 2021.
Additionally, Hernández has remained healthy for the entire season. This is the sixth out of nine MLB seasons in which he’s played at least 120 games. Hernández’s durability has served the Dodgers well, especially considering the surplus of injuries that affected Los Angeles players all over the field this season.
Hernández will accumulate several multi-year offers, and he will likely make an impact on any team that secures him. Therefore, if the Dodgers want to keep Hernández on their roster beyond this season, the franchise needs to act quickly.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Hernandez will be able to go anywhere he wants this off season but in no other place will he be in as important a spot to make a difference as he will with the Dodgers. He says he wants to stay. We will see if that is really that important to him or will he sell out for a bigger contract in a less important role… Time will tell. He either has character or he is JUST a character. Only you can prove that, Teoscar.