Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Teoscar Hernández has declined his $21 million qualifying offer, per baseball reporter Francys Romero.
Hernandez will now enter free agency as one of the hotter outfield names on the market. He slashed .272/.339/.501 with a career-high 4.3 WAR in 2024. The outfielder slugged a career-high 33 home runs.
Worth noting, if a team signs Juan Soto, they will effectively be out of the running for Hernández.
Where will Hernández land this winter?
7. Atlanta BravesThe Atlanta Braves need to add an outfielder to replace the production they thought they would get from veteran Adam Duvall. Atlanta is an interesting follow for Hernández and Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
They’ll look to make a splash, but they may be too tied up in bringing Max Fried back to come up with the money to sign Hernández too. Once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns, the need won’t be as big either.
6. New York YankeesThe New York Yankees are being closely associated with Hernández, but ultimately, I think they re-sign Soto, which would take them off this list completely. Even if they don’t re-sign Soto, I’d imagine they would invest their money in pitching, a first baseman, and a third baseman rather than a $25 million outfielder.
But, if they go budget options like Christian Walker and Gleyber Torres in the infield, they could use the extra money to bring in a star outfielder such as Hernández to replace Soto.
5. Philadelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies have been closely linked to just about every right-handed outfielder on the market over the last year. They’ve been linked directly to White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., but nothing has come to fruition.
Adding Hernández would be an older, more consistent version of Robert. Philadelphia is set to explore trading its own outfielder Nick Castellanos as well. The National League East champs are emerging as a dark horse team for Soto, but falling back on Hernández would be the perfect backup plan.
4. Boston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox have emerged as a surprise dark horse in the Soto sweepstakes, but everybody kind of understands it’s a long shot. This does indicate that Boston is looking to add an outfielder though and the need for a right-handed bat has been well-documented.
If the Red Sox can find $25 million a year to throw at Hernández after they add two starting pitchers and some bullpen depth, why wouldn’t they send him that offer? He would be a great addition to the lineup.
3. New York MetsThe New York Mets are looking to add talent in any way they can this offseason. They’re heavily connected to Soto, but that’s going to be a tough ask with his market being so hot.
If they miss on Soto, they’re expected to pursue one or two top pitchers, Pete Alonso, and a few stars around the field. Adding a player like Hernández would make plenty of sense and it’s something they could afford. Keep an eye on the Mets in Hernández’s market, especially if they miss out on Soto.
2. Toronto Blue JaysOne of the teams that’s been connected to Hernández is his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto traded Hernández a few years ago, but now the free-agent outfielder has the chance to return to the team he spent most of his career with.
The Blue Jays are looking to buy and they could use an upgrade in the outfield, especially if they find a way to dump George Springer and his contract. Money won’t be an issue for the Blue Jays either. They should be considered a top-two team to sign Hernández unless they miraculously land Soto.
1. Los Angeles DodgersThe reunion with the Dodgers makes the most sense. Los Angeles has placed itself in the Soto sweepstakes, but they will likely fall short. Instead, falling back on Hernández, who was great for the Dodgers in 2024, is the perfect option.
With Hernández already showing his interest in signing back with the team, all the Dodgers would need to do is come close to matching the money that Hernández is offered from other teams. He’ll be cheaper anyway, as they are the only team that would not lose draft compensation by striking a deal.
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