Teoscar Hernández, having bounced back this season with a standout .272/.339/.501 slash line and a career-high 33 home runs, is set to hit free agency with renewed market value. The Dodgers have not pursued in-season extension talks with Hernández, and while he hasn’t been distracted by the looming offseason, he could command a substantial multi-year deal after betting on himself with a “pillow” contract this year.
Hernández signed with the Dodgers for $23.5 million, although only $15 million was paid this season, with the remaining $8.5 million to be distributed in installments starting in 2030. This strategic one-year contract has allowed Hernández to rebuild his market value after a rough 2023 season with Seattle, where T-Mobile Park’s pitcher-friendly environment weighed down his performance to a .258/.305/.435 line.
Now, Hernández’s performance puts him near the top of the free-agent outfield class, behind stars Juan Soto and Anthony Santander. He’s likely to decline a potential Dodgers qualifying offer of $21 million to pursue a three- to four-year deal, potentially around the $20 million average annual value, similar to what Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos received.
The Dodgers’ outfield plans may factor into their decision on Hernández. With Shohei Ohtani’s arrival, Hernández would likely be limited to left field in Los Angeles, while Mookie Betts has returned to right and trade acquisition Tommy Edman has taken center. L.A. also has rising stars in the pipeline, including 23-year-old Andy Pages and catching prospect Dalton Rushing, both potential future outfield candidates.
While Hernández’s resurgence has been a boon for the Dodgers, the team may face tough decisions on how to balance immediate performance with future development and roster flexibility in the coming offseason.
