Teoscar Hernández Stays in LA: Dodgers Seal the Deal with a 3-Year, $66 Million Contract!

Teoscar Hernández is officially sticking with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it's a move that has fans buzzing with excitement!

In a groundbreaking agreement, the two-time All-Star outfielder has signed a three-year contract worth $66 million, which includes a club option for a fourth year. A significant factor in this deal is Hernández's exceptional performance during the 2024 season, where he hit a career-high 33 home runs, earned a Silver Slugger award, and played a crucial role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship. This news was first reported by Yancen Pujols.

Ranking 11th on The Athletic’s Free Agent Big Board, Hernández positioned himself as one of the top free agents heading into the offseason, particularly among outfielders, just behind Juan Soto and Anthony Santander. Following a lackluster prior year, where he opted for a one-year deal valued at $23.5 million, Hernández found himself in a much more competitive market this time around. Experts had projected him to secure a contract averaging around $69 million over three years.

Excitingly, the new contract comes with a signing bonus of $23 million and approximately $23 million in deferred payments. At 32 years old, Hernández has been a vital component of a strong Dodgers lineup, which showcased his power-hitting capabilities with an impressive OPS+ of 137. Over the season, he demonstrated versatility by played both corner outfield spots effectively, achieving a career-high Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 4.3, according to Baseball Reference.

Hernández’s infectious personality won him fans both on and off the field, earning him the nickname “Mr. Seeds.” He famously celebrated his teammates’ home runs by tossing sunflower seeds in the air, a gesture that endeared him to many within the organization.

Reflecting on his remarkable 2024 season, Hernández expressed his surprise and joy at the success he experienced. “It’s more than I was thinking,” he stated during the Dodgers parade, emphasizing that he anticipated good things but never expected such an incredible outcome.

Given his contributions and the mutual desire for a reunion, the talks for an extension began to take shape. Throughout the season, Hernández expressed his wish to remain in Los Angeles, and after the team’s triumphant World Series campaign, re-signing with the Dodgers became a priority for him, despite interest from other major league teams like the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers also provided him with a qualifying offer, something that hadn’t occurred in his previous tenure with the Seattle Mariners following a tough 2023 season.

With Hernández back in the fold, the Dodgers are poised for another exciting season, and fans can't wait to see what this dynamic outfielder will accomplish next! Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming MLB season!