LA Dodgers Self-Destruct Button: Pettiness May Lead to $71 Million Slugger’s Exit
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2024 but are in danger of losing one of their key players in free agency. The team has yet to come to terms with Teocar Hernández.
According to the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have not been able to come to terms with Hernández’s financial demands. However, his demands are not unreasonable and do not seem like an overpay.
“Hernández, 32, is seeking a three-year deal between $66 million and $72 million, according to a person briefed on the negotiations,” wrote Rosenthal. “The length of contract does not appear to be a point of contention between the parties. The issue is money.”
It seems odd that the Dodgers are not willing to meet his financial demands. It would make more sense if they were in disagreement about the length of the deal. Spotrac projects Hernández to sign a three-year, $71 million deal so his demands are not higher than his projected market value. Hernández told reporters after the World Series that the Dodgers are his top choice, but it is not in his hands.
“The Dodgers will be my priority in free agency. I will do whatever is possible to return. It’s not in my hands, but if it were I’d pick them,” said Hernández.
Despite his desire to stay with the Dodgers, he could sign elsewhere if the Dodgers cheap out. He had a career year with the Dodgers. He had 33 home runs and 99 RBIs. He was also named an All-Star for the second time in his career.
