MLB Insider Reveals Hold Up in Teoscar Hernández Signing With Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernández are still trying to work out a deal, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
Nightengale spoke exclusively with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain on Wednesday at the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas and answered questions regarding the best available bat in free agency.
“I think pursuits have gotten more heavy from other teams, the teams that didn’t get (Juan) Soto.” Nightengale said. “I still think he ends up with the Dodgers, maybe for a little bit more money than the Dodgers originally thought.”
Because of how expensive some of these free-agent contracts are going for, Hernández and his camp might have spiked their asking price, leading to a hold-up.
“I would imagine that Teoscar Hernández would love to get that fourth year instead of making it a three-year, $65, $70 million contract — then it’s a four-year, over $80 million.”
Hernández is looking for stability after signing with the Dodgers for one year before the 2024 season. He’s earned the right to ask for more after setting a new career-high with 33 home runs, winning the Home Run Derby and helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
The Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees have expressed interest in Hernández after all four teams lost Soto to the New York Mets.
On Tuesday, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman addressed the status of Hernández and the next steps for the two sides.
“It’s hard for me to answer,” Friedman said. “He had a really good year. He put himself in a great position and I know he has talked about wanting to and I know that we have talked about him wanting to and he and his family get to go through the interest and figure out what makes the most sense for them. So while we’re hopeful, at the same time, if he ends up signing somewhere else, we have no choice but to wish him well, and on a personal level we’ll be really happy for him and professionally not so much.”
Hernández has been vocal about his desire to return to Los Angeles and the Dodgers would welcome him back with open arms. However, if he goes elsewhere, the Dodgers will pivot without hard feelings.
Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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Just give him what he wants. He was a major reason for the Dodgers success in 2024.
Then sign Kike and Buehler and we’ll be good.
What he said !
Friedman should be all in. He would be 35 at the end of 4 years. My guess is he would still be productive. He had a great taste in his mouth with his year with us. And we had a great taste in ours as well. We signed Conforto for one year. And unless CT3 has a monster year, $30 mil will be off the books next fall. Just think if we have a less injury plagued year among our starting nine? More protection for Teo. Maybe his stats go up a tick. If we have a similar year, injury-wise? We know what he can do.
How much money can you spend? Play where you want to play!
It’s a ranking game, it’s all about ego.
Perhaps Friedman is playing it a little closer to his vest. Publicly they are obviously saying they want him back but imply they are not going to get in a bidding war. Who knows what negotiations are actually going on. I certainly hope he’s back in Blue. He and his brother Kike.
People are forgetting Santander is still available and I am sure he wouldn’t mind going to the Dodgers!The Dodgers should sign Scott, and trade for Arenado and move Muncy to second including Lux in a trade package. If they really want to make a splash they can sign Burnes who wants to go to the Dodgers, at that point they are a dynasty!
If they lose Teo, they will then need to find another outfielder…or would they put Conforti in that left field? As with most fans, I am supporting Teo to return to the Dodgers. I am a bit upset that they did not offer Buehler a contract. He did save that Game 5 and also won his own start of the Series. As for his injuries, he showed that he has conquered them now.
I think Dodgers were hoping Soto would accept a 3 year contract with a high AAV & then go back out the market. Didn’t happen. Now the price and amount of teams has risen. Should’ve just said no to Soto from the beginning and concentrated on resigning Teo, Kike and signing Sasaki and trading Lux, Taylor, Grove and others for another starter and reliever. Easier said than done I reckon.
Freidman is a smart man. And we all know Teo will wear #37 with DODGERS across the front of his shirt.
Since the day the Dodgers signed Teoscar to the 1 year deal i knew he would fit in perfectly. Remember the Dodgers needed someone solid and productive to be in the middle of the line up not another superstar. Lets analyse this for a minute. Teoscar came from a Seattle Mariner team that didn’t have to much star power in their line up. And his numbers were still okay. He left with a 258. Batting Average, 161 hits in 625 at bats, 26 Homeruns, 93 RBI and 70 runs scored in 160 games. He went from a line up with one star Julio R. and 2 – 30 plus homerun hitters, which means he wasn’t getting to many good pitches to hit. To a line up with Ohtani, Mookie, Freddy who are stars. Now he comes in as the number 4 hitter behind these guys. He automatically gets better pitches to hit and less pressure to produce. He went from being the offense for his team to being a solid contributor for the Dodgers. Less pressure more productivity. His numbers went up. With the Dodgers he batted 272., 33 Homeruns, 99RBI in 154 games. Then his personality and passion for the game lifted the already vibrant chemistry the Dodgers have. This team compliments each other in all aspects of the word. Chemistry is crucial! This team has it all Character, Chemistry, Power, Discipline, Smart, Pitching, Quick on the bases, Fielding and clutch. And to top it of great coaching staff. Imagine if they all stayed healthy for a full year. I believe this team will only get better. Very dangerous team. This Dodger team could go down as the best team of all time. The potential is scary. The future is bright. Im just saying.
I am of the same opinion as many others who have spoken up….Give Teoscar what he wants! 4 years and 80 mil. for a player like that doesn’t sound bad. He’s proven that he is a very valuable and productive member of that team. I see Teoscar as way more valuable that Soto would be. He’s a bargain!….Come on Dodgers stop screwing around and sign him!
Please just sign Teo Hernandez and Kike Hernandez and let Walker GO! Please just sign the Hernandez’s and the DODGERS will be World Series Champions again!
I believe that the signing of the two Hernandez is critical for the Dodgers to win a World Champioship in 2025. As to both players they represent the best in athletes, ie, that is they are talented, ready to play daily and are willing to do anything to help their team win. Also, I can understand how some followers maybe incorectly could think that these two non-white players are being given a raw deal while white players essentially get what they want. The team of Jackie Robinson should not be seen in this light.
Sign Hernandez it’s a no brainer??