A key player in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 World Series title run was Teoscar Hernández. However, as the offseason approaches, it is unclear if the 33-year-old slugger will stay in Los Angeles or accept a free agent contract somewhere.
Hernández had a fantastic season, finishing with a.840 OPS, 33 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 84 runs scored in 652 plate appearances. He recently won his third Silver Slugger Award. Several teams have taken notice of his play, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays—three AL East powerhouses.
Although it was first anticipated that the Dodgers would immediately re-sign Hernández, as the days pass without an agreement, other teams are starting to gain traction. The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have the best chance of acquiring Hernández, according to David Schoenfield of ESPN.
The Dodgers may be reluctant to keep both Hernández and Michael Conforto on the outfield corners due to their emphasis on defense, according to Schoenfield. Toronto, where Hernández played for five seasons prior, including a All-Star campaign in 2021, may become available as a result.
“The Jays clearly need offense and pursued Juan Soto to fill a hole in the outfield, so Hernández is a reasonable backup plan,” Schoenfield wrote.
According to Schoenfield, Hernández might agree to a three-year, $66 million contract, which would be reasonable for a Blue Jays team looking to bolster their offensive arsenal. Given their experience with Hernández and their desire to bolster their team, Toronto is well-positioned to help him return to his former glory.
Hernández’s market is heating up, and teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, and particularly the Blue Jays are ready to make attractive offers, even though the Dodgers are still in the running. Fans will have to wait to find out if Hernández returns to Toronto in triumph or stays in Hollywood.
Hernández will undoubtedly have an influence in 2025 and beyond, no matter where he ends up. Pray he signs a contract he will be happy with.