Dodgers Insider Reveals Teoscar Hernandez’s Free Agency Desires
The Dodgers have already made some big roster moves this offseason. Most recently, Los Angeles extended National League Championship Series MVP Tommy Edman to a five-year, $74 million contract. But, many Dodgers fans are anxiously waiting to see the fate of All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández.
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The free agent is on the hunt for a multi-year contract. Last offseason, Hernández was unable to secure a multi-year deal and opted to sign a one-year pact with the Dodgers. Since then, he has become a fan favorite, especially after his postseason performance.
In addition to his impact as a player, Hernández has been described as a team player. His nine years of MLB experience allows the veteran to step up as a leader in the clubhouse.
On a recent episode of Dodgers Dougout Live, our Doug McKain caught up with Dodgers insider Jose Mota, who discussed Hernández’s free agency.
“Teoscar is very ingrained in being a guy that’s stable and brings a lot of stabilization and a squad mentality to the clubhouse,” Mota said to McKain on Dodgers Dougout Live. “Mookie Betts was telling me during the season, ‘Jose, I’ve never seen a guy that he could misplay a ball in the outfield — he can go 0-for-8, he goes 0-for-12 in one stretch in the postseason — but he always walks in the club saying, ‘Guys, it’s about us, not about me.’”
Hernández has garnered interest from other MLB teams, including the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. However, Hernández has expressed a desire to stay in Los Angeles on numerous occasions.
“He might be enticed by somebody out there with a four- or five-year deal,” Mota said to McKain. “But, he also understands the value that it has, the fact that he won here. He knows what is expected here, and the family likes it here, too.”
Earlier this month, Hernández rejected his qualifying offer from the Dodgers. But, Los Angeles still has plenty of time to negotiate a contract worthy of the three-time Silver Slugger. Mota thinks L.A. has a big advantage over the other teams.
“He is familiar with everything that happens in Dodgers baseball, and that, to me, is a key element,” Mota said. “That might be worth another million, $2 million if I think about his agent right.”
While Hernández will likely seek the best offer, Mota thinks he’ll also do what he can to end up back in Los Angeles.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that, yeah, he’s entitled to all of that he’s enjoying right now — the attention and the offers and the flirting by other teams — but I know that he wants to come back and hopefully we’ll see it work out.”
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Teoscar Hernandez is an asset to our team. He is a good mentor for the guys and Shohei really loves him as a mentor and a friend. He is amazing when it comes to hitting, fielding, and anything else that he does we need him back and we need to keep him give him more money Dodgers come on. I’m sure a lot of fans are begging for that right now.
Yes!!! Dodgers need to resign Teoscar, he’s clutch and a great teammate!!
I agree with everything that Ilene says. As great as teammate that TEO is, Willy Adames would be a better option. The two have similar batting statistics, but really good shortstops are harder to find than outfielders. Having both would be great. The Dodgers can afford both, but will they be willing to spend that much money on two players? What a lineup that would be !!!!!!