Soto’s replacement? Yankees set to lure Dodgers $85M ace

The Los Angeles Dodgers are enjoying a well-earned victory lap over the New York Yankees, but that will eventually have to come to a close.

The Dodgers dominated the Yankees in this year’s World Series, winning their second championship in the last five seasons. And after the Yankees humiliated themselves on defense in the Game 5 clincher, practically half of the Dodgers roster has taken a shot at New York’s lackadaisical efforts on a podcast.

Once free agency signings begin, however, the Yankees and Dodgers will both refocus their efforts toward getting back to the World Series next season. And New York could flip the tables on Los Angeles if they manage to land one of the key members of the Dodgers’ lineup.

The Yankees’ main focus is on retaining superstar outfielder Juan Soto, but if he signs elsewhere, New York will need a backup plan. Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball recently predicted that that backup plan would be Dodgers slugger Teoscar Hernández.

Finkelstein projected a four-year, $85 million deal between the Yankees and Hernández this winter.

“Hernandez is ready to cash in and get paid. Entering his age-32 season, this is his real chance to get paid on a long-term deal. Since 2019, Tesocar is one of just a few hitters who has eclipsed 25 home runs in every full season. His 158 home runs over that span rank 15th in MLB,” Finkelstein said.

“Many teams will call Hernandez to add some power to their lineup, but the differentiating factor in negotiations may come down to who is willing to commit the most years to him.”

Last season, Hernández slugged a career-high 33 home runs, took home his second All-Star honor and third Silver Slugger Award, and put up a stout .840 OPS. He had a down year with the Seattle Mariners in 2023, so this season was crucial for his long-term earning potential.

The Dodgers love Hernández, and he loved his year in Southern California, publicly expressing his desire to stay. But LA also has ambitious goals in free agency, including pursuing Soto themselves.

If the Dodgers succeed in their bids elsewhere, it could spell the end of Hernández’s brief, but brilliant stint in Chavez Ravine.