Teoscar Hernández remains one of the notable free agents as the MLB Winter Meetings continue. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are still in the running to retain his services, there’s growing uncertainty about whether they will succeed.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, shared his thoughts on the matter during a press conference. He expressed hope that Hernández would re-sign with the team but acknowledged the possibility of him choosing another destination. “At the same time, if he decides to sign somewhere else, we have no other choice but to wish him well,” Friedman stated, a sentiment that seemed to lack confidence about the team’s chances of retaining the player.
Hernández joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal last offseason following a less productive year with the Seattle Mariners. His goal was to rejuvenate his career in Los Angeles and position himself for a multi-year contract in 2025. That plan appears to have worked, as he had a standout season with the World Series champions, even if his next contract may come from another team.
In 154 games with the Dodgers in 2024, Hernández delivered an impressive .272 batting average, hit 33 home runs, and posted an .840 OPS. He provided much-needed stability to the lineup amid a season riddled with injuries for the Dodgers. However, if he signs elsewhere, the Dodgers will need to adjust their offseason plans. Having already missed out on Juan Soto, they may explore options like Anthony Santander, though they are unlikely to act out of desperation. The recent signing of Michael Conforto over the weekend has already provided some coverage in the outfield.
Hernández’s Appeal Beyond the Dodgers
At 32 years old, Hernández has proven that his subpar 2023 performance with the Mariners was an outlier. His strong 2024 campaign with a 4.3 bWAR has drawn interest from multiple teams seeking outfield upgrades. Among those teams, the Boston Red Sox pose a significant threat to the Dodgers’ efforts to retain Hernández. The Red Sox, who were also contenders for Juan Soto, could make a serious push to add the veteran slugger to their roster.
Hernández’s offseason decisions will be pivotal for teams in need of a reliable outfield presence, and his next move could shift the balance of power in the league. For now, the Dodgers and their fans will have to wait and see whether Hernández chooses to return or finds a new home elsewhere.