An Unexpected Departure: Teoscar Hernández Terminates Contract with….

eoscar Hernandez is set to re-enter free agency after a highly successful one-season stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers that saw him enjoy a career year and win a World Series.

Hernandez had played on a one-year, $23.5 million deal that saw him collect $15 million in 2024 and will see him collect the remainder of the $8.5 million as deferred money from 2030 to 2039. He’ll have the chance to earn a long-term deal on the open market this time around, though he did admit he’d be keen on returning to L.A.

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Speaking on ESPN Deportes after Wednesday’s series-clinching Game 5, Hernandez said he would be prioritizing the Dodgers in free agency.

“The Dodgers will be my priority in free agency. I will do whatever is possible to return. It’s not in my hands, but if it were I’d pick them,” Hernandez said.

In 2024, Hernandez slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs. He figures to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this offseason, and he made clear that coming back to Los Angeles is something he’d be open to. Of course, that all hinges on the Dodgers’ approach this offseason after reaching historic levels of spending last year.

eoscar Hernández always wanted to compete in the Home Run Derby, and on Monday night he lived that dream out to the fullest by being the first Dodger to win the competition.

Hernández has made no secret that the Dodgers are his preferred destination, though at least a handful of other teams are interested in the services of the outfielder who turns 33 in October.

During the championship celebration at Dodger Stadium on November 1, Hernández was choked up with the reception he received from the crowd. He reflected on that moment with MLB Network on Tuesday.

“This was my seventh year in the big leagues, and I’ve never had a moment like that, where everybody was trying to give me that love, that they’ve been giving me all year,” Hernández said. “That was incredible, I’ve never had that before. I’m an emotional guy, so that gets me really bad.”