LOS ANGELES — Teoscar Hernández will probably be in proper area for the Los Angeles Dodgers subsequent season when the World Sequence champions attempt to defend their title.
The outfielder was at Dodger Stadium on Friday after agreeing to rejoin the workforce on a $66 million, three-year contract.
“I had my thoughts clear that I wished to come back again and I used to be going to do something in my energy to make it work and be again with the Dodgers,” Hernández mentioned.
He performed final season on a $23.5 million, one-year deal and proved his worth by changing into an All-Star and profitable the House Run Derby together with a 3rd profession Silver Slugger, which earned him a $1 million bonus. He capped all of it by serving to the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees within the World Sequence.
Editor’s Picks
1 Associated
Hernández mentioned he had gives from different groups that might have gotten him a further $5 million to $6 million.
“For me, cash wasn’t a difficulty,” he mentioned.
Hernández’s deal comes with a $23 million signing bonus. The Dodgers maintain a membership possibility of $15 million for 2028 with a $6.5 million buyout. The contract additionally options $23.5 million in deferred cash.
He known as the Dodgers “completely different” than different groups.
“They provide me the boldness. I did not get that basically in different places,” Hernández mentioned. “They belief me in the whole lot that I may give them. That was one of many greatest issues for me, that pushed me to do the very best job that I can do in a Dodgers uniform.”
Supervisor Dave Roberts welcomed the return of Hernández.
“It is not nearly getting essentially the most proficient gamers. You have to be good on the sphere and you have to play the sport a sure means,” he mentioned. “What that does is it makes folks round you higher, it holds teammates accountable. For us, Teo checked each single field.”
Hernández hit a career-high 33 dwelling runs and drove in 99 runs final season. The 32-year-old hit .272 in 154 video games.
“He at all times put the workforce first and you can see that there was an actual love of the sport that he delivered to the sphere every day,” normal supervisor Brandon Gomes mentioned. “I do assume due to the best way he performs with such ardour and pleasure, when these massive moments got here up, it was one thing that he actually cherished and was capable of put the workforce first and gradual the heartbeat down and do no matter was wanted in that state of affairs.”
Hernández will probably be in proper area with Mookie Betts transferring again to shortstop. Newcomer Michael Conforto will probably be in left.
Hernández was embraced by Dodgers followers and their assist did not go unnoticed.
“I admire for the reason that first day that I bought right here Dodgers followers have been cheering for me,” he mentioned. “They have been giving me the assist that I must have the season that I’ve final yr. When you might have that assist as a participant, it’s a must to give 110 % day-after-day.”
Data from The Related Press and Area Degree Media was used on this report.