Teoscar Hernandez is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers – bolstering the NL powerhouse as it gears up to defend its World Series title in 2025.
On Friday, it was reported that the 32-year-old star signed a three-year, $66 million contract to remain with the Dodgers, the team he helped win the championship. The deal includes a club option worth $15 million for the 2028 season – a potential fourth year – along with a $6.5 million buyout.
Furthermore, Hernandez’s deal comes with a $23 million signing bonus and even more deferred money, with $23.5 million being deferred, starting six years from now. This comes after the slugger signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers last season for $23.5 million, with $8.5 million deferred as Los Angeles captured its second World Series title in four years.
Hernandez was quick to break the news, posting on his Instagram account: “I’m back.” The slugger’s return adds another formidable bat in the Dodgers’ already vaunted offense, as he finished the 2024 season hitting a career-high 33 home runs with 99 RBI as Los Angeles looks to repeat next season.
He also won the Home Run Derby and was named an All-Star for the second time in his career. For what the Dodgers paid, Los Angeles will be getting a consistent power threat, as he is one of nine hitters to hit 25 or more home runs in the last five full seasons, joining Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Schwarber, Manny Machado, Rafael Devers, Matt Olson and Pete Alonso, per MLB.
And while Hernandez ultimately returned to Los Angeles, the two sides elected to take their time with discussions, with the Dodgers signing Michael Conforto and while also shopping for outfielders. At the same time, Hernandez entertained offers from other teams, though it was clear the 32-year-old wanted to stay in the City of Angels.
Shortly after the Dodgers won the World Series, Hernandez made it known his preference was to stay in Los Angeles after the year he had. Even though the star looked at offers from other teams, the 32-year-old was clear that he considered Los Angeles his home and would like nothing more than to stay.
He flat told me 1,000 percent he wanted to return to the Dodgers, Jon Heyman of the New York Post said, per DodgersNation. And who wouldnt? But the [Boston] Red Sox and his old [Toronto Blue] Jays (and possibly his old [Seattle] Mariners) are apparently giving him something to think about. A great bat and terrific clubhouse guy who should capitalize on his huge year in LA.
Additionally, an emotional Hernandez spoke during the Dodgers’ World Series parade and explained just what it meant for him to play for the Dodgers. “I just want to say thank you,” he said at the time. “I play this game to win and the Dodgers gave me the opportunity to come here so I can help this organization, this city, this team, these people, win a championship. You guys made this dream come true. Thank you for making me a world champion. Thank you.”
Hernandez’s contract is just the latest in the many deferred contracts the Dodgers have, with Los Angeles’ total amassing over $1 billion in deferred money to build a championship contender now. Shohei Ohtani has the largest chunk, with the organization set to pay him $680 million from 2034 to 2043, in $68 million increments every year.
New signing Blake Snell also deferred $66 million of his $182 million contract. NLCS MVP Tommy Edman re-signed with the Dodgers on a five-year, $74 million deal, with $25 million defeered.
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