Teoscar Hernandez is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a successful first season with the team, agreeing to a three-year, $66 million contract, according to multiple reports on Friday evening. The 32-year-old All-Star outfielder shared the news with a post on Instagram, stating, “I’m back,” though the Dodgers have yet to officially confirm the deal.
The contract includes a $15 million club option for the 2028 season, along with a $6.5 million buyout, $23.5 million in deferred payments, and a $23 million signing bonus, as reported by ESPN. Hernandez had initially joined the Dodgers on January 12 as a free agent, turning down multi-year offers to sign a one-year, $23.5 million contract, which included $8.5 million in deferred payments. This decision proved to be beneficial, as Hernandez became a key figure in the Dodgers’ successful regular season and postseason efforts.
During the regular season, Hernandez batted .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 154 games, setting a new career high in homers. He also recorded a .339 on-base percentage and a .501 slugging percentage. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the All-Star Game for the second time, and he also triumphed in the Home Run Derby. Additionally, Hernandez secured his third Silver Slugger award for his offensive achievements.
In the postseason, he contributed significantly, hitting .250 with three home runs, 12 RBIs, and 10 walks, and he reached base safely in 15 of 16 games. Over the course of his career, Hernandez has played for the Houston Astros (2016-17), Toronto Blue Jays (2017-22), Seattle Mariners (2023), and the Dodgers, compiling a .263 career batting average, 192 home runs, and 572 RBIs in 965 games.
This re-signing comes after the Dodgers added veteran outfielder Michael Conforto on a one-year, $17 million contract, further strengthening their outfield, which also includes Tommy Edman, Chris Taylor, James Outman, and Andy Pages. Mookie Betts, a former outfielder and MVP, also provides additional depth to the Dodgers’ roster.
