The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made a splash in free agency by signing one of the best starting pitchers available in Blake Snell. But Dodgers fans are anxious to know whether the organization will bring back fan favorite free agents such as Teoscar Hernández.
The latest report should make fans ecstatic, as Hernández is predicted to return to Los Angeles for the 2025 season and beyond. The Dodgers could sign the outfielder on a three-year, $60 million deal, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
However, Rosenthal also writes that Hernández likely won’t sign with a team until Juan Soto signs his massive contract. Once Soto lands with likely the highest-bidder, other outfielders on the market like Hernández should follow.
Hernández rejected the Dodgers’ qualifying offer, which means any team that signs him will be subject to lose draft-pick compensation. Teams that lose out on Soto will likely turn their attention toward Hernández.
Rosenthal predicts Hernández to land with the Toronto Blue Jays if he doesn’t return to Los Angeles. If the Blue Jays brought back Hernández, it would likely help their cause in keeping Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Hernández and Guerrero are very close.
But Hernández is still projected to land in Los Angeles by the end of the offseason.
The outfielder had a remarkable first season in a Dodgers uniform.
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In a single season with the Dodgers, Hernández won a World Series, was an All-Star, won the Home Run Derby, and hit a career-high 33 home runs. Hernández also embraced the culture of the Dodgers clubhouse and showed his appreciation to fans at the World Series parade.
“You guys made this dream come true. Thank you for making me a World Champion,” Hernández said through tears. “That’s how much I care, how much I appreciate everything that this organization, these fans have given to me. When I show that kind of emotion, that’s when I truly feel it. I’ve been blessed to be here.”
Throughout the 2024 season, Hernández was frequently asked about his looming free agency. The outfielder made it clear he hoped to return to the Dodgers for several seasons.
“My hopes are really high,” Hernández said of re-signing. “Like I’ve said before, the Dodgers are the priority obviously. I’m going to do everything in my power to come back.”