Dodgers at 'Impasse' With Teoscar Hernández, Exploring 3 Replacement Options: Report
12/21/2024 05:13 PM
The Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring other right-handed hitting options aside from free agent Teoscar Hernández, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“The potential options, according to sources briefed on the team's discussions, include infielder Ha-Seong Kim in free agency and Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. and others in trade,” Rosenthal wrote. “How serious the Dodgers are about those pursuits – and how realistic some of them might be – remains to be seen.”
At the start of the offseason, a reunion between the Dodgers and Hernández seemed inevitable. After Juan Soto signed his landmark deal with the New York Mets, the general consensus about Hernández’s fate in free agency quickly changed.
Dodgers Nation first reported that the stall in negotiations was because of money. Furthermore, Dodgers Nation also reported that Hernández didn’t want any deferrals in his contract. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman publicly said the organization doesn’t utilize deferrals in every deal orchestrated. The deferrals likely aren’t the main issue with the Hernández negotiations, but more so the annual average value of the contract and the signing bonus.
Hernández is eyeing a three-deal worth $66-$72 million. As the Dodgers explore other options for right-handed hitters, the cost of the alternative free agents are likely playing a big role in the ultimate outcome. Rosenthal also indicates the Dodgers could be looking around due to the possibility Hernández chooses to sign with another team such as the Toronto Blue Jays or the Boston Red Sox.
At the Winter Meetings, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about the reality of losing Hernández.
"It would be tough," Roberts said when asked about potentially losing and replacing Hernández. "Obviously I'm a huge fan of Teo. We have a great relationship. His words, he loved everything about being a Dodger, and I'm always going to be a Teo fan. There's not a whole lot of guys that can start 157, 158 ballgames and post and then to be that productive. Then you layer on being in a big market, helping us win a championship. So those players don't come around very often.
"It would be hard for me not to see him coming back."
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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