Sunday, January 7, 2024
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2024
Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a one-year $23.5 million with right-handed outfielder Teoscar Hernandez. This helps counteract left-handed dominated lineup, so when the Dodgers face a left-handed pitcher, they might not struggle.
Earlier in the Andrew Friedman said his top priority for the Dodgers was to find a right-handed hitting outfielder. Throughout this offseason, the Dodgers have been tied to Hernandez.
At 31, Hernandez has played for the Houston Astros, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Seattle Mariners. He is a power hitter who strikes out about 30% of the time. He can play all three outfield positions. He is speedy, so he will steal the bases at the bottom of the lineup. Last season with the Mariners, Hernandez hit .258 with 26 home runs, 93 RBI, and a .741 OPS. At T-Mobile Park, most hitters haven’t found much success.
Last year was the first season since 1958 when the Dodgers moved to Brooklyn, they scored more than 900 runs. In 2024, the Dodgers can score more than 1,000 runs. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Max Muncy makes a powerful offensive nucleus. If Will Smith and Gavin Lux contribute to the offense, the Dodgers will be great.
If an outfielder gets injured, Manny Margot or Chris Taylor can fill in.
Hernandez will defer $15 million of his salary, so the Dodgers can do more.
