What I’m Hearing on Teoscar Hernandez’s Free Agency: Dodgers Favorites But Have Competition
The Los Angeles Dodgers are “close” on a new contract with outfielder Teoscar Hernández, sources tell Dodgers Nation. However, the hold-up is on the Dodgers’ end — not from Hernández’s camp.
Hernández has made it clear all along his desire is to re-sign with the Dodgers. As of Sunday, the two sides are close, but the Dodgers are not yet ready to finalize it. There’s no current timetable for a deal to be consummated.
It’s unclear why the Dodgers are waiting — it could be Juan Soto’s free agency, as L.A. remains among the five remaining contenders for Soto. However, if the Dodgers wait until after Soto signs, it opens the possibility for more competitive offers to emerge.
According to sources, both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox would be interested in Hernández if they lose out on Soto. The Toronto Blue Jays have also been linked to Hernández for a potential reunion. Those three teams, along with the New York Mets, are the final five known suitors for Soto.
Hernández is coming off a breakout season in his first year with the Dodgers. Hernández took a one-year deal with Los Angeles last offseason, hoping to re-establish his value and re-enter free agency with a better shot of securing a multiyear deal. That’s exactly what he did.
Hernández had a career year, slashing .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs and 99 runs batted in. He made his second career All-Star Game, won the Home Run Derby, and played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ run to the World Series.
Now, Hernández is one of the top outfielders on the market, and will secure the multiyear deal he’s looking for. The Dodgers remain the favorites, but the longer they wait, the more Hernández suitors — with money to spend — could emerge.
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain contributed to this report.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Didgers should forget about Soto and keep Kiki and the other Hernandez don’t loose them both and keep Blake Trein as well. The Dodgers would be lost without any of those 3 and also Walker as well
First off Didn’t you report Ohtani to Toronto ? What did you mean by saying that Soto could have a reunion with Soto?
Soto will sign with the Mets for over $750 million for 15 years probably 765.
Nice guy – 33 hrs gets maybe 60 mil for 3 years. Hot dog – 41 hrs gets 765 for 15 years. Hahaha…MLB has totally lost their freaking minds.
Teoscar Hernandez Will Mean a Ton More to The Dodgers success then Juan Soto ever could have. He’s a great player and teammate with a Total Positive Attitude. Don’t Bump Your Head DODGERS and Let Him Get Away!