Dodgers Free Agent Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Sign With a Team Quickly: Report

After a raucous World Series parade and celebration, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been relatively quiet thus far when it comes to offseason roster changes.

The biggest news regarding the team was revealed when general manager Brandon Gomes told reporters Mookie Betts would be moving back to the infield in 2025.

Making such a move would leave a clear vacancy in the corner-outfield position. However, according to a report from Jeff Passan of ESPN on Tuesday, the team may not have to wait long to address it.

Passan states that free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández is expected to be “one of the first big names off the board” this offseason.

“Hernández’s desire for a deal of at least three years was only helped by his great division series and World Series performances,” Passan wrote. “The Dodgers are the favorites to bring him back where he thrived in 2024. Boston is in. So is Baltimore. And the Yankees want him if Soto doesn’t come back, though Hernández could have already signed by the time New York knows where it stands with Soto. Chances are Hernández will be one of the first big names off the board.”

The 32-year-old corner outfielder is coming off one of the best seasons in his career, maybe even the best season of his career. He posted a career-high 33 home runs for the Dodgers in 2024, along with 99 RBIs and a .272 batting average.

During the postseason, he batted .250, hitting three home runs and driving in 12 RBIs as the Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and New York Yankees on their way to the championship.

Hernández has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles for the long term. While no extension discussions occurred during the season, the Dodgers recently offered him a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer, signaling their interest in bringing him back.

The free agent market is expected to take its time this year, particularly after the major offseason spenders secure deals with their top targets. Only a few free agents are likely to sign quickly, and Hernández could be one of them.