Teoscar Hernández has long been known as one of Major League Baseball’s most consistent and powerful hitters. The 31-year-old outfielder, who made his big-league debut with the Houston Astros in 2016, has since carved out a reputation as a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. His powerful bat, reliable glove, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments have made him a sought-after commodity in the league. In December 2024, Hernández further solidified his place among the elite players in the game by agreeing to a substantial contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a deal that not only doubles his yearly salary but secures his future with one of MLB’s premier franchises.
This contract extension with the Dodgers is more than just a financial milestone for Hernández; it represents the culmination of years of hard work and development. The extension, which will span three years, will increase his salary significantly, making him one of the highest-paid outfielders in baseball. While specific figures have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that the extension will be worth upwards of $75 million, with the average annual value (AAV) of the contract more than doubling what he had previously earned. As of 2024, Hernández was making around $14 million annually on his last contract, so this extension could push his yearly salary into the $22-$25 million range.
This jump in salary is a testament to his continued improvement as a player and the value the Dodgers place on his skill set. Hernández’s development into one of the top power hitters in baseball has been marked by an increase in both home runs and overall production. Over the last five seasons, he has averaged 30 home runs per year, all while maintaining a solid batting average and on-base percentage. His ability to produce runs has made him a cornerstone player in the middle of the Mariners’ lineup, and now, the Dodgers are counting on him to bring that same level of performance to their own vaunted offense.
The Dodgers have been a perennial contender in the National League for years, and their decision to add Hernández to the fold speaks volumes about their commitment to maintaining their championship aspirations. Over the past decade, the Dodgers have regularly made deep playoff runs, with World Series titles in 2020 and consistent postseason appearances. However, in recent years, despite their regular-season dominance, they have fallen short of the ultimate prize—another World Series championship. In 2024, the Dodgers were knocked out of the playoffs in the National League Championship Series, and their front office has been determined to ensure that they remain one of the top teams in MLB for the foreseeable future.
The addition of Hernández addresses several key areas for the Dodgers. First, his power bat provides another potent weapon in a lineup already filled with elite talent. The Dodgers have consistently boasted one of the most dynamic offenses in the game, with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith anchoring the lineup. However, as the team found out in 2024, relying on just a few players to carry the offensive load can be risky. Adding Hernández to the mix gives the Dodgers more depth and flexibility, allowing them to weather slumps or injuries more effectively. His ability to hit for both power and average gives the team a dynamic middle-of-the-order hitter who can be a game-changer in critical moments.
Hernández’s ability to hit against both right- and left-handed pitchers also makes him an ideal fit for the Dodgers’ lineup, which frequently faces off against top-tier pitching staffs in the NL West. Over his career, he has shown a remarkable consistency in hitting against both sides, making him an invaluable asset for manager Dave Roberts. With the Dodgers’ lineup often relying on platoon splits, Hernández’s versatility in the batter’s box offers them a much-needed edge, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Defensively, Hernández has always been known as a solid fielder, with a particularly strong arm. His ability to patrol the outfield—whether in right field or left field—provides the Dodgers with a reliable option in the outfield, which has been a point of emphasis for the team in recent seasons. His range, speed, and overall defensive acumen make him an asset in a ballpark like Dodger Stadium, which often plays large and requires strong outfield play. While not considered an elite defender, Hernández has proven capable of making the routine plays while also contributing with his arm in key moments.
What makes this contract extension especially significant is the timing of the deal. Hernández’s performance in 2024 had been one of the best of his career. He had posted career highs in home runs, runs batted in (RBIs), and total bases, and his overall offensive numbers were among the best in the American League. It was clear that Hernández had entered the prime of his career and had the potential to remain productive for several more years. As a result, the Dodgers were eager to lock him up long term before he hit free agency, recognizing that the window to compete for championships in the NL is narrow, and adding proven performers like Hernández to their roster is critical.
The Dodgers’ decision to invest heavily in Hernández also signals their ongoing commitment to building a roster that can compete with the best teams in baseball year in and year out. In recent seasons, the Dodgers have been able to manage a payroll that includes lucrative contracts for stars like Betts and Freeman, while also making shrewd moves to bring in complementary pieces. Hernández fits that mold perfectly. Though the Dodgers’ payroll is among the highest in MLB, their ability to spend smartly and lock down a player of Hernández’s caliber is a testament to their front office’s ability to identify and target the right players for their needs.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are poised to continue their dominance in the National League with Hernández now signed for the next three years. The addition of a player of his caliber enhances their chances of remaining a playoff contender, while also offering a potential building block for the future. The team’s front office has made it clear that they are not simply aiming for another successful regular season; they want to secure another World Series title. With players like Hernández in the fold, the Dodgers are well-positioned to chase that elusive championship in the coming seasons.
For Hernández, this extension is both a financial windfall and a sign of his growing stature in the baseball world. Having played for the Blue Jays and Mariners, Hernández has established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the game. But his move to the Dodgers, a team with a history of success and a reputation for developing and maintaining elite talent, offers him the opportunity to compete for championships and play in some of the most important games of his career. The spotlight that comes with playing for a team like the Dodgers will elevate his profile even further, making him a household name for fans across the country.
For a player like Hernández, who has worked tirelessly to hone his craft and improve each season, this contract extension represents a moment of validation. It underscores the trust and belief that the Dodgers have in his abilities, both now and in the future. As he enters his early 30s, Hernández is entering the final stretch of his prime, and his ability to maintain his level of play will be crucial not only for the Dodgers’ success but for his legacy as one of the game’s top outfielders.
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