Merry Christmas Dodgers fans, Teoscar Hernandez is back!
In a move that solidifies the Los Angeles Dodgers’ championship aspirations for years to come, Hernandez aims to become the first MLB team to win back-to-back championships since the New York Yankees won three consecutive championships from 1998 to 2000. He will return to the championship in 2024.
Spanish reporter Moises Fabian reported on the news that Hernandez and the Dodgers are signing a three-year, $66 million contract that includes a fourth-year team option worth $15 million, a $23 million signing bonus, and a $23 million signing bonus. was first reported. With deferred money.
Moises Fabian, who waived Teoscar Hernandez’s one-year contract with the Dodgers nearly a year ago, reports that he and the team are inking a three-year deal worth $66 million to remain in Los Angeles. I am doing it.
👀 https://t.co/JrBZBwpIFa
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) December 27, 2024
Minutes later, Hernández himself confirmed the news by posting on his Instagram Story: “I’m back.”
For the Dodgers, this isn’t just about retaining players, it’s also about solidifying the foundation of a championship roster.
Hernandez’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary and was a winning answer to a difficult 2023 season with the Seattle Mariners.
The Dominican Republic slugger brings firepower and stability to a Dodgers lineup that also features the talents of Shohei Ohtani. Together, they led Los Angeles to the promised land and won the franchise’s eighth World Series title.
Jayne Kamin Once Imagine Image, October 26, 2024. Los Angeles, California, USA. Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) hits a two-run home run in the third inning of Game 2 of the 2024 MLB World Series against the New York Yankees at Dodger Stadium. Required Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Hernandez broke out in 2024, hitting .272 with a career-high 33 home runs and an .840 OPS, a dramatic improvement from his .716 OPS the year before with Seattle.
His comeback wasn’t just about the numbers, it was about the moment. From clutch hits in September to standout performances in the playoffs, Hernandez proved he deserves to be on baseball’s biggest stage.
And let’s not forget the midseason home run derby victory. There he demonstrated his powers to a captivated audience. The win symbolized his return to form and underscored why the Dodgers believed in him as a key contributor when they signed him to a one-year, $23.5 million contract last winter.
For Hernández, this new contract means more than just financial security. It’s a testament to his talent and resilience. After signing a short-term deal with deferred funds last offseason, Hernandez bet on himself in 2024 — and the bet paid off.
Ranked No. 9 on Yahoo Sports’ list of the top 50 free agents this offseason, Hernandez’s market value was clear. But it was his connection to the Dodgers and their winning culture that ultimately drew him back to Chavez Ravine.
“I love this city, this team and the fans,” Hernandez said in a postgame interview during the playoffs. “This is where I want to be.”
With Hernandez locked in until at least 2027, the Dodgers now have an outfielder and a key part of their center batting order. His blend of power, athleticism, and veteran presence complements a roster that remains a perennial powerhouse.
Signing Hernandez is a testament to the Dodgers’ strategy to balance star power with smart financial management. The inclusion of deferred money gives the team flexibility while giving Hernandez a contract befitting a World Series champion.
