Teoscar Hernández Eyes Dodgers Return, But Not on Deferred Terms

Teoscar Hernández is keen on a return to Chavez Ravine, but he’s drawing a line in the sand: no deferred payments. The Los Angeles Dodgers have become known for structuring contracts with significant deferrals, a strategy employed with stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Hernández,coming off a strong season,previously declined the Dodgers’ qualifying offer of $21.05 million for the 2025 season.

While the Dodgers maintain interest in Hernández, negotiations have stalled since the rejection of the qualifying offer. despite interest from other clubs, Hernández has publicly stated his preference to remain in Los angeles. Sources indicate that discussions between Hernández and the Dodgers are expected to resume soon, aiming to bridge the gap.

Hernández’s Contract Expectations

Hernández is reportedly seeking a deal in the range of $22 to $24 million annually. For the Dodgers to secure his services, they would likely need to offer a three-year contract totaling approximately $66 million. The longer negotiations linger, the greater the risk of Hernández exploring opportunities with teams like the Red Sox and Blue Jays, who have expressed interest.

A Breakout Year in Blue

The 32-year-old outfielder revitalized his market value with a stellar 2024 season in Los Angeles, signing a one-year deal to prove his worth. Hernández delivered, blasting 33 home runs and driving in 99 runs.His contributions were pivotal to the Dodgers’ offensive firepower throughout the playoffs and their triumphant World Series run.

Hernández’s versatility was on full display as he logged 154 games, seamlessly transitioning between left and right field. Adding to his accolades,he also claimed the Home Run Derby title while donning a Dodgers uniform.

Exclusive Interview: Lifelong Dodgers Fan, mark thompson, Debates Teoscar Hernandez’s Contract Negotiations – Insights & Controversies!

(Intro: A crucial off-season looms for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they navigate free agency. One name stands out: Teoscar Hernandez. Fresh off a stellar season, he seeks a long-term deal without deferred payments, a sticking point in negotiations. Today, we delve into this complex situation with Mark Thompson, a lifelong Dodgers devotee and walking encyclopedia of baseball knowledge. Mark has attended countless games, devoured every stat, and lived and breathed Dodgers baseball for over four decades. Welcome, Mark!)

Moderator: Mark, thanks for joining us.Let’s jump right in. teoscar Hernandez: worth the possibly non-deferred $66 million asking price for the dodgers?

Mark Thompson: Absolutely. Look at what he brought to the table last season. 33 home runs, 99 rbis, playing solid defense in both left and right field, and of course, the Home Run Derby win. He was a vital cog in that world Series-winning machine.You can’t put a price on that kind of contribution, especially in October.

Moderator: But is that contribution repeatable at that level? He’s 32. We’ve seen players have career years and then regress significantly. Are the Dodgers risking overpaying for past performance? Consider guys like Carl Crawford,who signed a huge deal with the Dodgers and underperformed.

Mark Thompson: That’s a fair point, and the age factor is a concern. But Hernandez isn’t Carl Crawford. he’s shown consistent power throughout his career. Even before last season, he was a proven run producer with Toronto. the change of scenery clearly benefited him; he looked revitalized in LA. You’re banking on that continuing, and I think it will. Plus, the Dodgers’ coaching staff has a knack for getting the most out of their players. They maximized his potential.

Moderator: So you believe the habitat is key. But what about the deferred payment issue? The Dodgers have made it clear this is a key strategy for them to manage long-term payroll and remain competitive. Guys like Ohtani and Betts have shown a willingness to take deferred money. Is Hernandez being short-sighted by refusing this structure?

Mark Thompson: I understand where he’s coming from. He’s earned the right to dictate the terms to some extent. He had a monster year, proved his value, and now wants to get paid upfront. He’s seeing guys like Ohtani get these massive deferred deals, and he’s thinking, “I want my money now.” Also, deferred money isn’t guaranteed money. There’s risk involved for the player. Think about the Mets’ situation; if a team folds, that deferred money vanishes to thin air.

Moderator: That’s a good point about the risk involved. But let’s play devil’s advocate. The Dodgers could use that versatility to sign other key pieces. Wouldn’t a team-first approach be beneficial for Hernandez in the long run? A stronger team increases his chances of another World Series ring, thereby arguably enhancing his legacy and future earning potential.

Mark Thompson: legacy is great, but players have a limited window to maximize their earnings. He did make a team-first move, didn’t he prove his worth on a one-year deal? Hernandez arguably left money on the table last year by signing a short-term deal. Now,he’s cashing in on that bet.plus, he’s not asking for an exorbitant amount; $22-24 million is within reason for a player of his caliber. Let’s not forget,he rejected the qualifying offer. It’s about respect, too.

Moderator: What about the alternative teams mentioned – the Red Sox and Blue Jays? Boston, in particular, seems like a good fit, given their need for a right-handed power bat. Should Hernandez consider leaving Los Angeles for more guaranteed money and a less complex contract structure, even if it means sacrificing his preferred location?

Mark Thompson: Loyalty is a factor. He’s publicly stated his desire to remain in Los Angeles. That counts for something. He clearly enjoyed playing in that environment,and the fans love him. But ultimately, it comes down to the best deal. If the Dodgers aren’t willing to budge on the deferred payments, and the Red Sox offer more upfront money, he has to seriously consider it. Fenway Park is a great place to hit, especially for a right-handed pull hitter like Hernandez.

Moderator: The tweet we included highlights Anthony Santander as a possible alternative for a similar price on a longer deal. What do you think of that comparison? Are the Red Sox, or any team, wise to consider that option rather?

Mark Thompson: Santander is a solid player, but he’s not Teoscar Hernandez. Hernandez has a higher ceiling. That tweet underscores the point that hernandez is worth the money. the Red Sox should absolutely prioritize Hernandez over Santander; the difference is massive in terms of potential impact. It is not about the years, but about who they are getting.

Moderator: Let’s talk about the potential impact on the Dodgers specifically. If they don’t re-sign Hernandez, how dose that affect their lineup and their chances of repeating as World Series champions?

mark Thompson: It’s a significant blow. While they have depth, losing that kind of power and production in the middle of the order leaves a void. They’d have to rely heavily on other players stepping up, and that’s not a guarantee.Remember, the playoffs are a different animal. You need guys who have proven they can perform under pressure, and Hernandez did just that last year. It makes the path to another championship much tougher.

Moderator: There’s also the fan element to consider. The Dodgers’ front office is known for its analytical approach,sometimes at the expense of fan sentiment. How crucial is it for them to keep a popular player like Hernandez in the fold, even if the numbers suggest or else?

Mark Thompson: It’s critically important, but not the ultimate deciding factor. Winning cures everything. If the Dodgers win another world Series without Hernandez, the fans will quickly forget about him. However, having a player that fans connect with, a guy who provides excitement and energy – which Hernandez undeniably does – adds to the overall experience. It creates a buzz around the team. It’s a balance between analytics and capturing the hearts of the fans.

Moderator: Final thoughts, Mark? How do you see this playing out?

Mark thompson: I think the Dodgers will ultimately find a way to re-sign Hernandez. There might be some creative structuring involved, maybe a smaller deferred payment component, but I believe both sides want to make it work. The Dodgers know his value, and Hernandez wants to stay in Los Angeles. It’s a matter of finding that sweet spot where both parties feel like they’re getting a fair deal. But if the Dodgers remain inflexible on the deferral issue, Hernandez will be wearing another teams uniform come opening day.

Moderator: Mark, thanks so much for your insights. Always a pleasure to get your viewpoint.

(Outro)

Do you agree with Mark Thompson on this issue? Share your thoughts in the comments!