Dodgers Sign Slugging Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to 1-Year Deal
Former Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a 1-year, $23.5 million, with $8.5 million being deferred until the years 2030-2039. With Ohtani and Hernandez both agreeing to defer specified amounts of money, it is clear that the players want to assist the Dodgers’ front office in building a squad that can win a World Series title. While it was rumoured that Hernandez would receive a multi-year deal, he got a 1-year deal with a star-studded Dodgers team.
Hernandez had an off-year with Seattle in 2023. His .741 OPS and 105 wRC+ were his lowest totals since 2020. The slugging outfielder also had 211 strikeouts in 2023, striking out over 30% of the time last season. While Hernandez struggled up to his standards in 2023, his defence improved. He put up career-highs in both defensive runs saved (1 in 2023) and outs above average (0 in 2023). He put up negative totals in both statistics throughout his career.
The signing of Teoscar Hernandez would leave veteran outfielder Jason Heyward out of the loop, as James Outman will likely be the centre fielder for the future. The Dodgers are definitely winning the offseason, and the signing of Teoscar Hernandez clearly contributes to that success. We will have to wait and see if Hernandez and the Dodgers are able to win a World Series Championship after this historic offseason.
Other Notable Moves Around MLB:
- Pitcher Sean Manaea signs 2-year, $28 million deal
- Seattle Mariners trade Ex-Blue Jay SP Robbie Ray to Giants in exchange for OF Mitch Haniger, SP Anthony DeSclafani, and cash considerations
- Braves sign 2B Luis Guillorme to 1-year, $1.1 million deal
- Mariners trade INF Jose Caballero to Rays in exchange for OF/1B/DH Luke Raley