Outfielder Teoscar Hernández played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series. Now a free agent, there’s speculation about whether he could leave Hollywood for a big contract with the Yankees.
Last offseason, despite receiving multi-year offers, Hernández chose to sign a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers. That turned out to be a smart move for the 32-year-old, as he had an impressive season, hitting .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs, 32 doubles, 99 RBIs, and 84 runs in 652 plate appearances. His performance earned him a second All-Star selection, his third Silver Slugger Award, and a 19th-place finish in National League MVP voting.
Hernández is expected to sign quickly this winter, with the Dodgers still considered favorites to retain him. However, with him now available on the open market, the situation could shift. The Yankees are reportedly eyeing Hernández as a potential backup option in case they miss out on Juan Soto.
Ryan Finkelstein of JustBaseball believes Hernández could still be available for the Yankees to sign to a five-year, $85 million deal.
Finkelstein highlights that since 2019, Hernández has been one of the few hitters to hit over 25 home runs in every full season, with 158 home runs over that span, ranking 15th in MLB. Many teams will likely pursue him to add power to their lineup, but the key factor in negotiations may come down to which team is willing to offer the longest commitment.
Spotrac estimates Hernández’s market value at three years and $71 million, suggesting a possible slight overpay if the Yankees offer him a five-year deal. However, with a potential bidding war, anything could happen, and the Yankees may find themselves in the mix. Only time will tell how this unfolds.
