The Los Angeles Dodgers continued their busy offseason by bringing back a familiar face, signing outfielder Teoscar Hernández to a three-year, $66 million contract on Friday. Hernández, who was a key contributor during the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series run, decided to return to Los Angeles after exploring his options in free agency.
The 32-year-old slugger is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign in which he set career highs with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs while slashing .272/.339/.501. His clutch hitting was on full display in the postseason, including a crucial two-run double in the championship-clinching Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees.
Contract Details and Deferrals
Hernández’s new deal includes a $23 million signing bonus and a club option for the 2028 season worth $15 million with a $6.5 million buyout. The Dodgers also continued their recent trend of deferring money in contracts, with $23.5 million of Hernández’s salary to be paid out in future years.
The use of deferrals has become increasingly common for the Dodgers, who have over $1 billion in deferred money owed to players like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani, whose record-breaking contract includes a staggering $680 million in deferrals. This strategy helps the team manage its luxury tax payroll while still fielding a star-studded roster.
Dodgers’ Offseason Spending Spree
The Hernández signing is just the latest in a series of big moves by the Dodgers this winter. They previously inked two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal and brought in outfielder Michael Conforto on a one-year contract, hoping he can follow in Hernández’s footsteps and parlay a strong season into a longer-term deal next offseason.
“I’m Back,” Hernández wrote on Instagram after the signing was announced.
Hernández’s return solidifies an already deep Dodgers outfield that also includes Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, and James Outman. With former MVP Mookie Betts planning to primarily play shortstop this season, the team has no shortage of options to deploy alongside Hernández and Conforto.
Hernández’s Consistency and Power
Since becoming a full-time player at age 25, Hernández has been one of the most consistent power threats in baseball. Over the past seven seasons, he ranks among the top 40 hitters in home runs, RBIs, and OPS+ (minimum 2,500 plate appearances).
- Home Runs: 17th
- RBIs: 21st
- OPS+: 40th
His potent bat adds yet another threat to a loaded Dodgers lineup that led the National League in runs scored last season. With Hernández back in the fold, the Dodgers look poised to make another deep postseason run as they aim to defend their World Series title in 2025.
