Toescar Tease: Dave Roberts Comments Spark Hope Among Dodgers Fans

With the Los Angeles Dodgers coming off a World Series victory in 2024, the MLB world is already asking if the Dodgers can repeat in 2025.

One of the keys to the Dodgers taking the Fall Classic last season, however, was a free agent. Teoscar Hernandez, signed to a one-year deal by the Dodgers last offseason, made the most of his time at Chavez Ravine, posting a 137 OPS+ while slashing .272/.339/.501 with 33 homers and 99 RBI.

On a team loaded with superstars and former Most Valuable Players, Hernandez finished fourth on the Dodgers in OPS+ while finishing second behind Shohei Ohtani in both RBI and homers.

It’s clear that Hernandez was an impact player for the Dodgers, and manager Dave Roberts was asked during the MLB Winter Meetings about what it would be like to go into 2025 without Hernandez on the roster.

“It would be tough,” Roberts said. “Obviously I’m a huge fan of Teo. We have a great relationship. I thought, 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.

“But obviously, Teo has put himself in a very good position as a free agent and had a very productive year. So he’s got some decisions to make as well. He’s going to kind of suss those out.

“Yeah, I just — it would be hard for me not to see him coming back.”

Among the teams reportedly interested in signing Hernandez for 2025 and beyond, along with the Dodgers, is the Toronto Blue Jays. Hernandez spent six of his nine MLB seasons in Toronto, so he is familiar there as well.

With Juan Soto set to join the New York Mets, the return of Hernandez could once again provide an outfield answer for the Dodgers. It’s obvious that Hernandez showed his value in Los Angeles, but will the Dodgers be willing to spend what is necessary to bring him back? It’s clear Roberts is hopeful there is a reunion.