Hernández get offer: Dodgers ensure complementary pick if…

As the Los Angeles Dodgers shift their focus to roster construction, they extended the one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to Teoscar Hernández before the Nov. 4 deadline.

The 32-year-old was one of 13 players to receive the one-year offer, along with Juan Soto (New York Yankees), Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander (Baltimore Orioles), Alex Bregman (Houston Astros), Max Fried (Atlanta Braves), Willy Adames (Milwaukee Brewers), Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea and Luis Severino (New York Mets), Nick Pivetta (Boston Red Sox), Christian Walker (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Nick Martinez (Cincinnati Reds).

Hernández is coming off a season in which his Dodgers contract was for one year and $23.5 million. He turned down more lucrative offers in order to join L.A. and compete for a Word Series.

What’s next for Teoscar Hernández?

If qualifying offer is accepted

If Hernández accepts the qualifying offer, Hernández will return to the Dodgers on a one-year, $21.05 million contract for the 2025 season.

Hernández has expressed a desire to remain in L.A., but he will undoubtedly have a strong market even with the draft compensation attached to him.

The two-time All-Star batted .272/.339/.501, with 32 doubles, two triples, a career-high 33 home runs and 99 RBI in 154 games during the 2024 season.

If Hernández returns to the Dodgers next year, he will be part of an outfield mix that includes Mookie Betts, James Outman, Andy Pages and Tommy Edman, among others.

If qualifying offer is declined

If Hernández declines the qualifying offer, he will continue with free agency. It’s worth nothing that even if he goes this route, the veteran outfielder could still re-sign with the Dodgers.

If another team signs Hernández, the Dodgers will receive a pick after the fourth round of the 2025 MLB Draft as a result of exceeding the luxury tax threshold during the 2024 season.

MLB deadline for qualifying offer

The aforementioned players now have until Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. PT to accept or reject the qualifying offer. If accepted, they will return to their previous team on a one-year, $21.05 million contract for the 2025 season.

For players who decline the qualifying offer, they will continue with free agency. However, it comes with the caveat that they will have draft compensation attached to them, which could affect their value.