“Blue Heaven Revival: Los Angeles Dodgers Lock Up Teoscar Hernandez for a Slam-Dunk Season”

**Dodge Re-Signs Teoscar Hernandez to Three-Year Deal**

In a move that solidifies the Los Angeles Dodgers’ status as one of the premier teams in baseball, the club has re-signed slugger Teoscar Hernandez to a three-year contract. The deal, which was reportedly finalized in December, includes a $23 million signing bonus and is expected to total $66 million in guaranteed money.

According to reports, the deal has a deferred payment structure, with a slight higher value than the original $23 million for the signing bonus. Additionally, the contract includes a $15 million team option for the 2028 season. The Dodgers have not publicly announced the signing, but sources close to the team confirm that the deal is indeed done.

Hernandez, 32, was looking for a three-year deal and reportedly got it. He expressed his desire to return to the Dodgers after a stellar first season with the team. In that 2023 campaign, Hernandez hit 33 home runs in 652 games, batting .272/.339/.501. He continued his strong performance in the postseason, hitting .250/.352/.417 with three home runs in 16 games to help the Dodgers win their second championship in five years.

Background

Hernandez’s journey to this point has been a long and winding one. Last winter, he became a free agent after a mediocre season in Seattle. Despite a disappointing 2022 campaign, he was not without hope. The Red Sox offered him a two-year deal with $28 million in guaranteed money, but he declined, opting instead to sign a one-year contract with Seattle.

In rebuilding his market value, Hernandez has come back in a big way. His strong performance in 2023 earned him a spot on the All-Star team and a Silver Slugger Award, as well as his third MVP nod. He also hit a career-high number of home runs and posted consistent hitting statistics that rivaled his best years in Toronto.

However, Hernandez is not without his flaws. He has struggled defensively, particularly in the outfield. Although he has impressive arm strength and athleticism, he has never been considered an elite defender. This season was no exception, with Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating him 3-under in 1,308 combined innings between the corner outfield positions. Statcast further emphasized this, estimating him 11 points below average.

**Why the Dodgers Count on Hernandez**

Despite the defensive concerns, the Dodgers believe that Hernandez’s offensive prowess far outweighs his defensive limitations. With a roster filled with high-quality hitters, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, Tommy Edelman, and Gavin Lux, Hernandez fits right in. His projected $22.17 million average annual value (AAV) works out to be well within the Dodgers’ budget, considering their current provisions.

The Dodgers also took a chance on Hernandez after a disappointing performance last year, where he struggled in the pitcher-friendly confines of the Seattle stadium. By moving to the dominant L.A. lineup, he is a prime candidate to boost his numbers, becoming one of the top impact hitters back in the prestigious L.A. lineup.

**Financial Implications**

While the Hernandez re-signing will undoubtedly solidify the Dodgers’ roster for the next three years, there are financial implications. RosterResource estimates that the Dodgers will incur a $353 million luxury tax bill, pending the deal details, far exceeding the $301 million threshold. Their 110% tax rate on the final AAV will cost them dearly, and next year, after re-signing, their luxury tax bill will likely exceed $400,000.

**Impact on Young Players**

The signing also poses a hurdle for young players Andy Pages and James Outman, both of whom have Morelanders prospects. Pages could be pushed to Triple-A to continue developing, while the Dodgers may be reluctant to trade Outman, who had a solid rookie season.

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