The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly exploring backup options in case Teoscar Hernández doesn’t re-sign with the defending World Series champions.
One potential candidate to step in is outfielder Anthony Santander, who has been linked to the Dodgers as a potential Plan B.
“Santander, who ranked third in the majors with 44 home runs last season, is believed to be looking for a five-year deal, likely in the $100 million range,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported. “The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays – who all missed out on Soto when he signed with the Mets – are interested in Santander. Other teams to watch include the Dodgers, Tigers, and Nationals.”
Santander’s development into a consistent big-league hitter took time, with his power potential first emerging in 2019 when he hit 20 home runs in 93 games as a 24-year-old.
His breakout season came in 2022, hitting 33 home runs over 152 games. That marked the start of a three-year stretch during which he hit 105 home runs and remained impressively durable, playing in over 150 games each year.
The 2024 season, however, was a career year for Santander, as he hit 44 home runs and surpassed 100 RBIs for the first time.
The timing couldn’t be better for the 30-year-old, who earned his first All-Star selection just months before entering free agency.
He’s now poised to secure a lucrative contract this offseason.
Feinsand had previously connected the Dodgers with Santander, noting that Los Angeles was among the teams pursuing Juan Soto.
He added that “Teoscar Hernández would appear to be the team’s Plan B” and if Hernández signs elsewhere, Santander would be an ideal candidate to slot into right field.
Contract projections for Hernández and Santander are similar, with expected annual values in the $20-23 million range.
However, Hernández’s projected deals are shorter in length, as he is two years older than Santander.
Hernández, who averages 32 home runs per 162 games, brings more than just raw power.
In 2024, he posted a .272 batting average, a .339 on-base percentage, 32 doubles, two triples, 99 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases, matching his career-high.
