Outfielder Teoscar Hernández is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers following an agreement on a substantial three-year, $66 million contract.
The finalized deal awaits a successful physical, as reported by a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the pending status of the agreement. Hernández’s journey back to the Dodgers marks a continuation of his fruitful tenure with the reigning World Series champions.
Hernández initially sought a longer-term contract in the offseason; however, circumstances led him to pursue the optimal short-term arrangement. This was realized through a $23.5 million, one-year agreement with the Dodgers, highlighting a season where he played alongside prominent figures like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts. His performance was pivotal in the team’s World Series victory, marking their second championship in five years.
During his All-Star season, Hernández excelled as the Home Run Derby champion and secured his third Silver Slugger award, adding a $1 million bonus to his accomplishments. His offensive prowess included a .272 batting average with a career-high 33 home runs and 99 RBIs over 154 regular-season games. Hernández expressed his desire to remain in Los Angeles, a sentiment he shared emotionally with fans during the championship celebrations.
With his anticipated position shift from left field to his favored role in right field, Hernández aims to contribute further to the Dodgers’ success. This transition is linked to plans involving Betts moving back into the infield. At 32, Hernández hit .250 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in the postseason, navigating both challenges and triumphs.
Despite struggling in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, where he managed just two hits in 21 attempts, Hernández rebounded with strong performances in other postseason matchups. He recorded a .333 average with seven RBIs in the Division Series against the Padres and hit .350 in the World Series, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ triumph over the Yankees.
Hernández’s career spans multiple teams, including Toronto and Seattle, before his impactful role with the Dodgers. His achievements include a .263 career batting average, 192 home runs, and 572 RBIs, showcasing his consistent offensive capabilities. A distinctive feature of his latest contract is the inclusion of $8.5 million in deferred payments, scheduled to be distributed in equal parts over a decade starting in 2030.
The return of Teoscar Hernández to the Dodgers is poised to strengthen the team further following their recent World Series success. The agreement not only reflects the club’s confidence in Hernández’s abilities but also aligns with his personal aspirations to continue contributing to the Dodgers’ legacy. His presence in right field alongside key teammates is expected to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
Source: Local10
