The Los Angeles Dodgers have solidified their roster by re-signing outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, a key contributor to their 2024 World Series triumph. After months of negotiations, the Dodgers and Hernandez reached an agreement on a three-year, $66 million contract, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The deal also includes a fourth-year option worth $15 million, over $23 million in deferred payments, and a $23 million signing bonus. Despite Hernandez’s desire to return to the Dodgers following his standout performance, it took nearly two months for both sides to finalize the deal.
Hernandez initially signed a one-year, $23.5 million contract with $8.5 million deferred before the 2024 season. The free-agent market had undervalued him at the time, preventing a long-term agreement. However, his exceptional performance throughout the season and postseason made him indispensable to the Dodgers’ plans.
In 2024, Hernandez delivered one of the best seasons of his career, showing significant improvement over his 2023 campaign with the Seattle Mariners. In fewer at-bats, he posted a .272 batting average, hit 33 home runs, drove in 99 runs, and tallied 32 doubles and 84 runs scored. Both his home run and RBI totals were career highs.
Hernandez’s contributions during the World Series solidified his value to the team. He played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ championship run, including a game-winning two-run double in Game 5, which clinched the title. Additionally, his home run in Game 2 provided the lead that Los Angeles held for the remainder of the game.
Since 2018, Hernandez has established himself as a consistent power hitter. Among 125 players with at least 2,500 plate appearances during that period, he ranks 17th in home runs, 21st in RBIs, and 40th in OPS+. His offensive production and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations make him a valuable asset to the Dodgers’ lineup.
The Dodgers have been active this offseason, reconfiguring their roster to remain competitive in the highly demanding National League. Although they lost ace Walker Buehler to the Boston Red Sox on a $21 million deal, the team strengthened its pitching staff by signing Blake Snell. Snell joins a talented rotation and complements the re-signing of top reliever Blake Treinen.
By securing Hernandez, the Dodgers maintain a strong outfield configuration, pairing him with recently acquired Michael Conforto. Hernandez is expected to play left field, while Conforto will likely take over in right field. This arrangement provides the Dodgers with both defensive stability and offensive firepower.
Deferred payments, a key feature of the Dodgers’ contract with Hernandez, continue to be a hallmark of the team’s financial strategy. The organization has embraced this approach in several major deals, including Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting $700 million contract, which defers $680 million. Other deferred contracts include those of Mookie Betts ($115 million), Will Smith ($50 million), Freddie Freeman ($57 million), Blake Snell ($62 million), and Tommy Edman ($25 million).
For Hernandez, this new contract represents the culmination of a remarkable year in which he showcased his talent on the game’s biggest stage. By leveraging his one-year deal with the Dodgers, he positioned himself for a more lucrative, long-term agreement. His return ensures the team retains a critical component of their championship-winning lineup as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The Dodgers’ decision to re-sign Hernandez underscores their commitment to building a balanced roster capable of sustaining success. With Hernandez locked in for the next three years, Los Angeles remains a strong contender in the National League and will aim to defend their World Series title in the upcoming season.
