The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in the midst of a high-stakes pursuit of star outfielder Juan Soto, a pursuit that has ramifications for the entire free-agent market, particularly for players like Teoscar Hernández, a fan favorite who recently completed a successful season with the Dodgers. Soto, represented by agent Scott Boras, has initiated the process of eliminating teams from his list of finalists, a list that reportedly includes the Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays. With the Winter Meetings approaching, the baseball world awaits Soto’s decision with bated breath. The potential contract for Soto is projected to be a monumental 15-year deal worth approximately $700 million, potentially exceeding the record-setting contract signed by Shohei Ohtani with the Dodgers just last year.
The ripple effect of Soto’s decision is keenly felt by other free agents, notably Teoscar Hernández. Hernández’s market has been slow to develop as teams hold back, waiting to see if they land Soto. The teams that miss out on Soto will likely turn their attention to other power-hitting outfielders, making Hernández a prime target. While a report surfaced suggesting an imminent deal between Hernández and the Dodgers, it was quickly refuted by credible sources. The consensus is that Hernández’s market, along with that of other free agents like Anthony Santander, will remain stagnant until Soto’s decision is finalized and the losing teams shift their focus to alternative options.
For the Dodgers, the pursuit of Soto represents a chance to further bolster their already formidable lineup, fresh off a World Series victory against the New York Yankees. Acquiring Soto, a key contributor to the Yankees’ success last season, would be a significant coup for the Dodgers. However, re-signing Hernández is a strong fallback option, offering the team a proven power hitter and a popular figure in the clubhouse.
Hernández, at 32 years old, enjoyed a stellar season with the Dodgers in 2024, smashing 33 home runs, driving in 99 runs, and boasting a .272 batting average. He earned All-Star and Silver Slugger honors, and further endeared himself to the Dodgers faithful by winning the Home Run Derby, a first for a Dodger player. His performance justifies his pursuit of a multi-year contract, with projections around three years and $75 million if he stays with the Dodgers.
While the Dodgers are actively engaged with Hernández, their pursuit of Soto remains the priority. The scale of Soto’s impending contract has created a logjam in the free-agent market, leaving players like Hernández in a holding pattern. The outcome of the Soto sweepstakes will have significant consequences for the Dodgers and the broader landscape of Major League Baseball. The Dodgers could potentially reshape their outfield with either superstar, but securing Soto would represent a seismic shift in the balance of power within the league.
The situation presents an interesting dilemma for Hernández. While loyalty to the Dodgers and the comfort of a familiar environment might be appealing, the potential for a more lucrative offer from another team, desperate to fill the void left by missing out on Soto, could prove too tempting to resist. The dominoes are lined up, and Soto’s decision will trigger a chain reaction, determining the fate of numerous free agents and shaping the rosters of contending teams for years to come. The Dodgers, with their eyes firmly fixed on Soto, are prepared to pivot to Hernández if necessary, ensuring they retain a powerful presence in their outfield regardless of the outcome. Hernandez, in turn, finds himself in a position of strength, his value potentially enhanced by the Soto sweepstakes.
