Teoscar Hernandez Signs 3-Year, $66M Deal To Rejoin Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez is officially back with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The veteran outfielder has agreed to a three-year contract worth $66 million, according to sources. The deal marks a homecoming for Hernández, who played a critical role in the Dodgers’ World Series victory last season. He announced the news with a simple but powerful post on Instagram: “I’m Back.”

A Natural Fit

After helping the Dodgers win the championship, Hernández made it clear he wanted to return. His one-year stint with the team proved to be a perfect match, with both sides benefiting from the partnership. Still, it took nearly two months to finalize the new deal as Hernández weighed his options and the Dodgers explored alternatives, including signing Michael Conforto and considering trades for other outfielders. Ultimately, the Dodgers and Hernández found their way back to each other.

Breaking Down the Contract

Hernández’s new deal includes several key components:

Three years, $66 million in total salary.
A $23 million signing bonus (money paid upfront).
Deferred payments: $23.5 million of his salary will be paid out over several years, starting in six years.
2028 club option: The Dodgers can choose to extend his contract for $15 million that year or pay him a $6.5 million buyout instead.

The deferred payments are part of a strategy the Dodgers frequently use to manage payroll while giving players financial flexibility. It’s a win-win for both parties, as deferred payments can reduce immediate tax burdens, especially in a high-tax state like California.

Why Hernández Is Worth It

Hernández joined the Dodgers last year on a one-year, $23.5 million deal after the free-agent market didn’t offer him a long-term contract. That short-term gamble paid off in a big way for both him and the team. He had one of the best seasons of his career, hitting:

.272 batting average.
33 home runs (a career high).
99 RBIs (also a career high).

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His postseason performance was even more impressive. In the World Series, Hernández delivered a clutch two-run double in the championship-deciding Game 5 against the New York Yankees. Earlier in the series, his Game 2 home run off Yankees ace Carlos Rodon gave the Dodgers a lead they wouldn’t give up. These moments proved just how valuable Hernández is in high-pressure situations.

A Busy Offseason for the Dodgers

The Dodgers have been making big moves this winter to strengthen their roster for the 2025 season. In addition to bringing back Hernández, they’ve signed several key players:

Blake Snell: The two-time Cy Young Award winner signed a five-year, $182 million contract to bolster the pitching staff.
Blake Treinen: The reliable reliever and another World Series hero signed a two-year, $22 million deal to stay with the team.
Michael Conforto: The Dodgers added the veteran outfielder on a one-year contract, hoping he can replicate Hernández’s success.

With these additions, the Dodgers are positioning themselves as serious contenders once again. They’re also expecting several injured pitchers to return, further strengthening their already formidable roster.

Source: Sources: Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers reach 3-year, $66M deal

Hernández’s Role on the Team

Hernández’s return adds another powerful bat to a star-studded lineup that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith. His presence also deepens the Dodgers’ outfield rotation, which now features Hernández, Conforto, Andy Pages, Chris Taylor, James Outman, and Tommy Edman. Edman, who can also play shortstop, provides extra flexibility as Betts transitions into an everyday infielder role.

Since becoming a full-time player at age 25, Hernández has been one of baseball’s most consistent hitters. Since 2018, he ranks among the league’s best in several key stats:

17th in home runs.
21st in RBIs.
40th in OPS+ (a measure of overall offensive performance).

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Simply put, Hernández is a proven performer who can deliver in any situation, whether it’s the regular season or the postseason.

Teoscar Hernandez Signs 3-Year, $66M Deal to Rejoin Dodgers

The Dodgers’ Smart Financial Moves

The Dodgers are known for their creative financial strategies, especially their use of deferred payments. By spreading out players’ salaries over future years, they reduce immediate financial strain and help players manage their tax burdens. This approach is particularly useful in California, where taxes are among the highest in the country.

For example:

Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract: A staggering $680 million of that deal is deferred over a decade. This means the Dodgers will pay about $46 million annually into a fund to cover those payments in the future.
Other players with deferred payments include Betts, Snell, Freeman, Will Smith, and now Hernández.

Hernández’s deferred payments will start in six years, which is a shorter timeline compared to Ohtani’s deal. This structure reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to managing both short- and long-term payroll obligations.

Eyes on the Prize: What Hernández Brings to the Dodgers’ Future

Teoscar Hernández’s return is a big win for both him and the Dodgers. After a standout season, he’s earned the stability of a long-term deal, while the Dodgers get to keep one of their most reliable and clutch performers. With a powerful lineup, a bolstered pitching staff, and a deep bench, Los Angeles is gearing up for another championship run. Hernández’s leadership and proven track record will be key as the Dodgers aim to stay on top in 2025.