LOS ANGELES — It’s a very safe assumption that Los Angeles Dodgers World Series hero Teoscar Hernández will not have to settle for a one-year deal again next winter. Friday, amid the Dodgers’ World Series parade and celebration, the All-Star outfielder called a return to Los Angeles a “priority.”
Hernández is one of eight Dodgers who officially became free agents on Friday, a year after Hernández agreed to a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers that included deferred money over multiyear offers from other clubs including the Boston Red Sox. In 154 games, Hernández slugged a career-best 33 home runs while putting together an .840 OPS. He added three home runs during the Dodgers’ October run.
The Dodgers have until Monday to give the 32-year-old Hernández a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer in what should qualify as a no-brainer decision (if Hernández turns it down and signs elsewhere, the Dodgers would receive a draft pick). They also have until that date to exclusively negotiate with Hernández and his camp — despite Hernández saying multiple times this summer he’d like to remain a Dodger, the two sides had not discussed an extension through the start of the postseason.
Teoscar Hernandez was emotional addressing the fans after winning his first World Series championship pic.twitter.com/sPckIFzDak
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 1, 2024
“My hopes are really high,” Hernández said of re-signing. “Like I’ve said before, the Dodgers are the priority obviously. I’m going to do everything in my power to come back.”
Asked if he’d like to get a deal done quickly after agreeing to terms with the Dodgers on Jan. 7 this past winter, Hernández was emphatic.
“Hopefully tomorrow,” Hernández said. “I want us to be here. I want us to be part of this. I have so many good memories here. I’ve learned a lot as a player, as a person. It feels great to be part of this.”
The Dodgers’ list of pending free agents includes a pair of retiring players (Daniel Hudson, Kevin Kiermaier) along with postseason hero Kiké Hernández, star reliever Blake Treinen, reliever Joe Kelly and starters Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty. The latter two closed out and started the Dodgers’ World Series clincher against the New York Yankees. Flaherty, a Los Angeles native acquired at the deadline, marveled at the parade, saying, “I love this city,” then repeating multiple times, “I never want to leave.”
Teoscar Hernández’s emotions were clear as he spoke during Friday’s event, in front of a packed Dodger Stadium. When it was his turn on the microphone, Hernández started to speak before breaking down in tears. He thanked the crowd at Dodger Stadium for making him a World Series champion before passing it off to the next person.
“That’s how much I care,” Hernández said. “That’s how much I appreciate this organization, these fans. When you get that out of me, that’s the best. When I show that emotion, that’s when I truly feel it. I’ve just been blessed to be here.”
(Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
