Dodgers GM Discusses Teoscar Hernández Free Agency, Reveals LA’s Plan
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of Major League Baseball’s most successful and financially ambitious teams over the past decade. With a focus on blending analytics, player development, and a strong financial backbone, the Dodgers have been perennial contenders, winning division titles and securing playoff berths almost every year. As the 2024 MLB offseason approaches, one of the most interesting storylines surrounding the Dodgers is their interest in Teoscar Hernández, the free-agent outfielder who is coming off a solid but not spectacular year with the Seattle Mariners. Dodgers general manager (GM) Andrew Friedman recently spoke publicly about the team’s plans for the free agency period, including their pursuit of Hernández, shedding light on the team’s strategy and priorities for the future.
In this article, we will break down the Dodgers’ pursuit of Teoscar Hernández, the factors that make him an intriguing target, and the broader context of the team’s offseason plans. We’ll also explore the Dodgers’ philosophy as they look to reinforce their roster for 2025 while balancing financial considerations, the development of their younger players, and their ultimate goal of winning another World Series title.
Teoscar Hernández: A Brief Overview of His 2024 Season
Teoscar Hernández, a 31-year-old outfielder, has spent the majority of his career in the American League, primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Seattle Mariners ahead of the 2024 season. Known for his power-hitting abilities, Hernández has long been one of the more reliable middle-of-the-order bats in the league, capable of hitting 30+ home runs in a full season. His 2024 campaign was another solid one, but not without its share of ups and downs.
Offensive Performance: Hernández’s offensive numbers in 2024 were consistent with his career averages. Over the course of the season, he slashed .251/.311/.462 with 28 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 68 walks in 575 at-bats. His home run power remained strong, but his on-base percentage dipped a bit compared to previous seasons, largely due to an increase in strikeouts. Hernández posted a 26.5% strikeout rate in 2024, which was slightly above his career norm of around 24%.
Although his batting average and on-base percentage were nothing to write home about, Hernández’s ability to provide power, particularly in a middle-of-the-order role, made him an attractive target for teams in need of a reliable corner outfielder. His 82 RBIs and his presence as a right-handed power bat were particularly valuable to the Mariners, who were striving to make a playoff push in the highly competitive American League West.
Defensive Contributions: While Hernández is best known for his bat, he is also a capable outfielder. Throughout 2024, he played the majority of his games in right field, where he remains a solid, albeit not elite, defensive player. Advanced metrics such as defensive runs saved (DRS) and outs above average (OAA) suggest that Hernández is an average or slightly above-average fielder, providing solid defense but not necessarily standing out as a gold-glove caliber player. Nevertheless, his ability to contribute defensively while providing offense has made him a steady option for contending teams.
Market Value and Fit: Hernández’s combination of power, experience, and defensive competence has made him one of the more sought-after outfielders on the free-agent market heading into the 2024 offseason. At 31 years old, he is still in the prime of his career and offers a high ceiling for teams looking to add a proven power hitter with some defensive reliability. For the Dodgers, his profile makes him an intriguing addition, especially given their recent struggles with consistency in their outfield and the need to bolster their offensive depth.
The Dodgers’ Plan: A Detailed Look at Their Offseason Strategy
In his recent comments, Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman outlined the team’s overarching plan for the offseason, touching on several key areas of focus, including the pursuit of free-agent outfielders like Teoscar Hernández. As always, the Dodgers will approach the market with a mix of pragmatism, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to winning championships. Here are some key aspects of the Dodgers’ strategy as they enter the 2024 offseason.
1. Addressing Offensive Depth
One of the Dodgers’ biggest challenges in 2024 was their offense. While the team had an impressive regular-season record, there were stretches where their lineup was held in check, especially in the postseason. The Dodgers’ offensive attack in 2024 was solid but lacked the consistency that they’ve had in past seasons. This was partly due to injuries, but also because the team was sometimes overly reliant on a few key players, including Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
The team’s pursuit of Hernández is clearly part of their strategy to improve offensive depth, particularly in the outfield. The Dodgers have a few key veterans and rising stars in the outfield, including Mookie Betts, who has shown his ability to excel in a variety of roles, and younger players like James Outman and Trayce Thompson. However, the Dodgers have been looking for a stable, middle-of-the-order hitter who can protect Betts and Freeman in the lineup. Hernández offers that potential—someone who can slot into the middle of the batting
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