Dodgers’ All-Star Slugger Predicted to Sign $85 Million Deal With Yankees
outfielder Teoscar Hernández was instrumental in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series. Now a free agent, the right-handed power hitter may leave Los Angeles for a lucrative contract with the Yankees.
Hernández had several multi-year offers last offseason but opted for a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers. That decision paid off for the 32-year-old.
In 652 plate appearances, he slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs, 32 doubles, 99 RBI, and 84 runs. His stellar performance earned him a second All-Star Game appearance, a third Silver Slugger Award, and a 19th-place finish in the National League MVP race.
Hernández is expected to sign a new deal quickly this offseason. While the Dodgers are favorites to retain him, the Yankees could emerge as contenders, especially if Juan Soto signs elsewhere.
According to Ryan Finkelstein of JustBaseball, the Yankees could acquire Hernández on a five-year, $85 million contract.
“Since 2019, Teoscar is one of just a few hitters to hit 25-plus home runs in every full season. His 158 home runs in that span rank 15th in MLB,” Finkelstein noted. “Many teams will pursue Hernández for his power, but the deciding factor could be the length of the contract.”
Spotrac estimates Hernández’s market value at three years and $71 million, meaning a five-year deal would be an overpay. However, a bidding war could push the Yankees to stretch their offer. Only time will tell what happens next.