The Dodgers have not had any in-season extension discussions with Teoscar Hernández, the slugger told reporters before tonight’s possible elimination game (X link via Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic). Hernández doesn’t seem bothered by the lack of talks, saying that he’s focused on the season and hasn’t given free agency much thought.
Hernández has had a fantastic rebound on a pillow contract. He drilled a career-high 33 home runs through 652 plate appearances. His .272/.339/.501 slash was back to the form he showed during his peak years with the Blue Jays. His middling .258/.305/.435 line with the Mariners from 2023 looks like an anomaly — one driven by his struggles at Seattle’s pitcher-friendly home park.
That down year with the Mariners dealt a huge hit to Hernández’s market a year ago. He clearly didn’t find a multi-year deal that was to his liking. He disclosed the terms of one offer he received, telling Rob Bradford of WEEI in July that the Red Sox had proposed a two-year, $28MM deal. Hernández wasn’t interested in locking in multiple seasons at a diminished $14MM average annual value. He signed with Los Angeles for a total of $23.5MM, though he only collected $15MM this year. The remaining $8.5MM will be paid in 10 installments between 2030-39.
Hernández’s bet on himself paid off. He’ll return to free agency in a better position than he was last season. The Dodgers can make him a qualifying offer. He’d very likely decline that $21MM+ salary in search of a long-term deal. Hernández turns 32 next month, so he’ll probably be limited to three or at most four years. That could come at something like the $20MM average annual value which players like Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos received as free agents. Hernández is probably the third-best outfielder in the class behind Juan Soto and Anthony Santander.
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Gives Hernández’s productivity, it stands to reason the Dodgers will make some effort to retain the two-time All-Star whenever the season concludes. They could balk at paying market price on a multi-year deal running into his mid-30s, though. Shohei Ohtani’s presence means the Dodgers would need to commit to playing Hernández in left field for the entirety of the contract. L.A. moved Mookie Betts back to right field when he returned from injury in early August. They’ve used deadline pickup Tommy Edman as their primary center fielder.
They’ll want to keep a long-term outfield spot available for Andy Pages. The 23-year-old played mostly center field as a rookie. Prospect evaluators have generally projected Pages to a corner, which is supported by the middling defensive grades (-8 Defensive Runs Saved, -1 Outs Above Average) he posted in center. The Dodgers have toyed with playing top catching prospect Dalton Rushing more frequently in left field. Barring an injury to Will Smith, there’s no path to regular playing time for Rushing behind the plate in Los Angeles.
Misty Moobs
Tonight will be his last game with the Dodgers
mlb fan
It will, but he’s earned himself a nice little payday elsewhere. It wouldn’t shock me if Toronto brought him back.
Canuckleball
It would shock me.
That would require Toronto management tacitly admitting it was a mistake dumping him in the first place.
Cedric Lee
they would also need to admit that the offense is garbage. but judging from their recent press releases, they think the offense is fine.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Misty eyes
Teoscar will not be back with the Dodgers next year. They are better off using the money to sign one or two starting pitchers. Rushing and Freeland will be ready by mid-season.
But tonight is unlikely to be his last game with the Dodgers. At this point the series with the Padres is back to 50-50. I doubt Darvish or King will be ready to pitch many innings in game 5. And I like the Dodgers or Padres over the Mets.
Mojo37
Misty
How’s that working out for you so far?
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
*tomorrow or the next day because Dylan cease cannot pitch on short rest
Rsox
No extension talks because odds are slim he’ll be back next season. With Pages, Edman and Betts (plus Taylor and Outman) the Dodgers have their OF for next season
mlb fan
Teoscar been really good for the Dodgers but I’m pretty sure they’ll be more focused on pitching.
Hernandez could be a good “get”(on a 3/$75M) for a power-needy team that doesn’t want to pony up for what Pete Alonso will be (over)asking.
Acoss1331
Mariners could’ve used his bat this season. Their offense was downright anemic most of the year.
Canuckleball
Except his performance this year wouldn’t have been what it was if he was still in Seattle. He likely would have had another slightly above average season again.
SODOMOJO
Yup. He got more pitches to hit this year than he did since 2021 when Bichette and Vlad had those huge years in front of him. In Seattle, he got nothing but nibble breaking balls because nobody was ever on base, and nobody is afraid of Dylan Moore behind him
bloomquist4hof
He’s on record that T-Mobile messed with his hitting. No way he’s coming to Seattle unless he get traded to the Mariners some time down the line.
This one belongs to the Reds
I am guessing they just might have other important priorities at the moment.
Wren
why would he worry he’s about to get the bag
lowtalker1
Dudes a bum
TigersLoveCinnamon
Why would they extend him? He had a career year. Hate to say it, but the doyers know when to cut bait better than any team.
mlb fan
“Know when to cut bait”..One of the central rules of good baseball management is “don’t fall in love with players” and yes the Dodgers are quite good at following this very important rule.
Mojo37
Teo had a career year but I think LAD have other priorities this winter UNLESS Teo accepts a short contract which is doubtful.
Smacky
You guys always think everybody is going to get a contract when who is out there offering big money? It’s like the narrative that Max Fried is going to be a Dodger. They shot their shot on Admiral Yamamoto, whose battleships keep getting sunk. The luxury tax is harsh, but it works. So yeah, Hernández probably deserves 3/75 but teams aren’t bidding against themselves. How many teams can afford 3/75?