In a move that solidifies their status as the World Series favorites, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an agreement with outfielder Teoscar Hernández on a one-year, $23.5 million contract. This signing adds yet another All-Star bat to an already star-studded lineup.
Hernández, who is 31 years old, emerged as one of the top impact veteran bats available this offseason. With a crowded outfield market and multiple options on the trade market, Hernández ultimately chose the Dodgers and the opportunity to join the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow. This decision also came with a sizeable payday, as Hernández secured a big-money, one-year deal.
The one-year contract, pending a physical, includes deferrals, although not at the same level as Ohtani’s historic deferrals. Ohtani famously deferred $680 million of his 10-year, $700 million contract over ten years. In Hernández’s case, $8.5 million of his $23.5 million salary will be deferred and paid off between 2030 and 2039. This structure provides some financial flexibility for the Dodgers.
However, signing Hernández will significantly impact the team’s payroll. The Dodgers’ payroll is estimated to rise to around $270 million, pushing them well into the second luxury-tax bracket. As a result, they will be subject to a 12.5% surcharge on top of the 50% they already pay for spending over the $237 million threshold. When factoring in the additional money spent due to the luxury tax, Hernández’s one-year tenure will cost the Dodgers over $32 million.
Despite the financial implications, the Dodgers pursued Hernández relentlessly and outbid other interested teams such as the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels. Hernández has earned a reputation as one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball. Since becoming a full-time player with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018, he has recorded 147 home runs and 442 RBIs, ranking 23rd in the league.
While Hernández did experience a slight decline in his production during his time with the Seattle Mariners last season, his overall performance remains impressive. He hit 26 home runs and drove in 93 runs, although his .258/.305/.435 slash line was slightly below his career average. The primary concern surrounding Hernández is his increasingly high strikeout rates. In 2023, he struck out 211 times, the second-highest total in the majors, and his strikeout rate of 31.1% ranked fifth-worst among qualified regulars.
Despite these concerns, Hernández still excels at hitting against left-handed pitching, boasting a .511 slugging percentage. The Dodgers anticipate him playing close to full time and believe he will be a perfect complement to their current outfielders, James Outman and Jason Heyward, both left-handed hitters.
By acquiring Hernández, the Dodgers fulfill their objective of adding more lineup flexibility. Batting in the middle of an order that includes Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith presents a dream opportunity for any hitter. Should Hernández excel in his role, the Dodgers also have the option to tender him a qualifying offer, similar to what they did with J.D. Martinez in 2023.
Hernández’s move from the Mariners to the Dodgers offers the opportunity for a fresh start and a potential boost in performance. Seattle’s T-Mobile Park heavily favors pitchers, which could have influenced Hernández’s struggles at home. While he posted a lackluster .217/.263/.380 slash line at home, his road numbers were much more impressive at .295/.344/.486. Additionally, his expected numbers, as measured by Statcast metrics, indicate that he performed better than his actual results suggest, with an expected slugging percentage of .476.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ signing of Teoscar Hernández represents a significant addition to an already formidable lineup. Despite the financial implications of the deal, the team believes that Hernández’s consistent power hitting and ability to excel against left-handed pitching make him a valuable asset. With their sights set on another World Series title, the Dodgers are confident that Hernández’s presence will further strengthen their chances of bringing home championship glory.
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