Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers Face Uncertain Free Agency

As the free agency period moves into the latter stages of December, a handful of impact players are still out on the market.

One is Teoscar Hernandez — the outfielder who helped transform the Dodgers’ lineup last year into the deepest and most talented in the league.

The fan base loves him. The team loves him. Manager Dave Roberts loves him. More importantly, Hernandez loves being a Dodger — and wants to be back badly.

While all these things are patently true, the two sides have to broker an agreement on a reunion. This has made the collective fan base a bit nervous over the prospect Hernandez may end up elsewhere, say with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, or even the hated New York Yankees.

Concrete reports on Hernandez’s status have been a bit vague. After Juan Soto signed with the Mets, naturally many felt as if the market would shift towards Hernandez and Anthony Santander. They are the two biggest outfielder bats remaining on the market.

However, the market has not been very robust for either. Hernandez is coming off a fantastic year. Having said that, he’s a below-average defender. He will also turn 33 next October. Despite his inherent value to the Dodgers and presumably other clubs, this is where the possible hang-up exists with LA.

Andrew Friedman operates with roster flexibility and versatility perhaps more than any other executive in the sport. Hernandez, while a proven hitter and clubhouse presence, hinders LA’s ability to be flexible. Hernandez defensively can only play LF and RF. You’d think about putting him at DH as he gets older. However, with the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani is understandably entrenched at that spot.

LA does not want to completely sacrifice defense for an above-average bat. Additionally, the team has a host of outfield prospects ready to emerge in the next few years. Dalton Rushing, the team’s best prospect, along with 23-year-old Andy Pages, are two players you’d want to see get extended time sooner than later.

Reports seem to indicate that the Dodgers are willing to offer Hernandez a 2-year deal rumored to be in the ballpark of $60 million (presumably with deferrals). This is a classic Dodgers deal, where they prefer a higher AAV over a longer commitment.

Hernandez understandably wants a longer commitment as he exits his prime. Here’s where the rub exists. Another team could offer Hernandez a longer deal with the expectation he’d eventually become a full-time DH.

Losing Hernandez would be a blow no matter how you slice it. As mentioned previously, he’s beloved by everyone who bleeds Dodger Blue. Conventional wisdom suggests the two will come to an agreement at some point. With that said, until it concretely happens, LA runs the risk of seeing its All-Star OF head elsewhere.