Dodgers $69 million All-Star predicted to defect to Reds in free agency surprise..
Teoscar Hernández, who had a strong season with the Dodgers, might sign with the Cincinnati Reds despite a potential reunion with the Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making waves, but there’s one star who has thus far been left out of the fun.
So far this week, the Dodgers inked starting pitcher Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract, then extended utility man Tommy Edman for five years and $74 million. The spending spree may not be ending soon, but it hasn’t included one beloved member of the Dodgers’ World Series roster.
That player is left fielder Teoscar Hernández, who signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers last winter. There will be lots of suitors for the two-time All-Star, who bounced back from a tough 2023 season and likely earned himself a much bigger contract this winter.
One interesting landing spot for Hernández that the Dodgers might not be considering as a threat, however, is the Cincinnati Reds.
That player is left fielder Teoscar Hernández, who signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers last winter. There will be lots of suitors for the two-time All-Star, who bounced back from a tough 2023 season and likely earned himself a much bigger contract this winter.
One interesting landing spot for Hernández that the Dodgers might not be considering as a threat, however, is the Cincinnati Reds.
On Friday, Andy McCullough of The Athletic predicted that Hernández would sign with the Reds, though he also acknowledged there was a strong chance the Dodgers could pull off a reunion. The same outlet recently projected Hernández for a three-year, $69 million contract.
“Look, there’s a good chance Hernández just returns to the Dodgers, but let’s dream a Queen City dream for a moment. The Reds lured Terry Francona out of retirement by selling the prospect of winning with a young core,” McCullough said.
“The lineup could use a cleanup hitter. Owner Bob Castellini has supported payrolls beyond $100 million in the past, and he can certainly afford to do so again in 2025.”
The 32-year-old Hernández mashed 33 home runs and put up an .840 OPS in 2024, which was arguably the best season of his career. The Reds’ home ballpark is also known for its huge home run numbers, so Hernández could certainly do a lot of damage there.
Obviously, Hernández loves LA, so Cincinnati would have to do a lot to pry him from the Dodgers’ grasp. But as free-agent destinations go, one could also do a lot worse than playing alongside stars like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McClain for the next few seasons.
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