Along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, four additional teams have shown interest in free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández during initial discussions, according to a report from The Athletic.
The outfielder’s preference is the Dodgers.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to come back,” Hernández said after the Dodgers’ World Series parade.
The names of two of the four other teams interested in Hernández remain undisclosed. However, both the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles have been linked to Hernández from other reports.
Last offseason, Hernández set his sights on a multiyear deal after the Seattle Mariners chose not to offer him a qualifying offer. However, the market didn’t shape up as he’d hoped, leaving him to pivot to a one-year agreement. Hernández ultimately signed with the Dodgers on a $23.5 million deal, which included $8.5 million in deferred money.
That move proved beneficial. At 32, Hernández delivered one of the best seasons of his career, smashing a personal best of 33 home runs while playing both left and right field. His powerful performance didn’t go unnoticed — he earned his second All-Star appearance and won the Home Run Derby, showcasing his slugging abilities.
In addition to these personal milestones, Hernández contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ postseason success, helping drive their run to the World Series.
After such a standout season, he’s now back in free agency, likely to attract the multiyear offers he sought a year ago.
The interest seems to go both ways.
Hernández has expressed that staying with the Dodgers is a “priority,” making it clear after the season that he’d like to continue in Los Angeles.
With mutual interest in a reunion, it’s expected that the Dodgers will actively work toward bringing him back for another season — and possibly beyond.
“We’ll have conversations with Teo and his group ASAP,” general manager Brandon Gomes said.