Teoscar Hernández’s Agent Bashes Critics For Saying Star Shouldn’t Take Short-Term Deal With Dodgers
Teoscar Hernández has recorded a career-year for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. From a career-high 33 home runs during the regular season, winning the Home Run Derby, making his second All-Star Game, and hitting a grand slam during the first round of the postseason, Hernández has put together a season to remember in his first year as a Dodger.
Hernández might have missed out on this success had he signed with another team during the offseason. Hernández opted to join the Dodgers on a one-year, $23 million contract in January, but there were other teams willing to sign Hernández on a multi-year deal. Hernández chose the Dodgers, which was met with criticism by some.
Before Hernández played in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series last week, his first-career NLCS appearance, his agent, Rafa Nieves, called out the critics of Hernández signing with the Dodgers.
“Nine months ago every agent criticized me and Teo for taking a 1-year deal,” Nieves wrote on X. “The truth is, the market was soft for everyone, and he was coming off a down year while playing in a very pitcher friendly environment. We were looking for a 3-year deal, and while reading the market and realizing that deal might not exist, I asked him what his priority was and he said he wanted to win and play deep into October, so we pivoted and focused on getting the best short term deal on the best team interested.”
Nieves added: “He will win his 3rd Silver Slugger, and will probably get some MVP votes. On top of that, he made more money this year than he would have made on that 3-year deal and now he will go back out on the market after a career year. Who’s laughing now?”
Hernández himself has continued to reiterate that he is glad he chose to come to Los Angeles.
“Everybody was saying it was a bad deal because it was a one-year deal, but for me what is important is to get better and win. I’m glad that I’m here,” Hernández said before the postseason began.
After such a good season, the biggest question is whether Hernández will remain with the Dodgers and sign with the team long-term once the season comes to the end. However, it’s possible he priced himself out of that with L.A., especially if he has a great World Series.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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