Teoscar Hernandez is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a triumphant first season, as the All-Star outfielder and the World Series champions have agreed on a three-year, $66 million contract, according to multiple reports on Friday evening.
Hernandez, 32, posted “I’m back” on his Instagram account, though the ballclub has not confirmed the reports.
The deal includes a club option of $15 million for the 2028 season with a $6.5 million buyout, $23.5 million in deferred money and a $23 million signing bonus, ESPN reported.
Hernandez had signed on Jan. 12 as a free agent with the Dodgers, reportedly declining multi-year offers for a one-year, $23.5 million contract, with $8.5 million deferred.
The risk was rewarded as the native of the Dominican Republic was a key contributor to the Dodgers’ regular-season run as well as through the playoffs.
He batted .250 with three homers, 12 RBIs and 10 walks, and reached base safely in 15 of 16 postseason games.
Hernandez batted .272 in the regular season with a career-high 33 home runs as well as 99 RBIs in 154 games. He sported a .339 on-base percentage and .501 slugging percentage.
He was voted to his second All-Star Game, where he also won the Home Run Derby. He also collected his third Silver Slugger award.
Hernandez is a career .263 hitter with 192 homers and 572 RBIs in 965 games for the Houston Astros (2016-17), Toronto Blue Jays (2017-22), Seattle Mariners (2023) and Dodgers.
The Dodgers had earlier this month signed veteran Michael Conforto (one year, $17 million) to a roster of outfielders including Tommy Edman, Chris Taylor, James Outman and Andy Pages. Shortstop Mookie Betts is a former outfielder and MVP.
