Teoscar Hernández Declines Qualifying Offer: A Pivotal Decision for the Dodgers
The decision by Teoscar Hernández to decline the qualifying offer from the Seattle Mariners has set the stage for a series of key moves in the upcoming MLB offseason, with the Los Angeles Dodgers now at the forefront of the conversation. Hernández’s decision adds a layer of intrigue to the Dodgers’ off-season plans, leaving them with a critical choice to make in terms of whether to pursue the outfielder as a potential addition to their roster or explore other options. The next steps for both Hernández and the Dodgers could shape the team’s future and determine how competitive they will be in 2024.
Teoscar Hernández’s Free Agency
In early November, Teoscar Hernández made waves by rejecting the Seattle Mariners’ one-year qualifying offer, which was valued at $20 million. The qualifying offer is a standard procedure in Major League Baseball, given to players who are eligible for free agency after a season in which they’ve had a productive year. For Hernández, declining the offer was not a surprising move. The 31-year-old outfielder had an impressive 2023 season, hitting .256 with 33 home runs and 82 RBIs, offering a powerful bat in the middle of the Mariners’ lineup.
Rejecting the qualifying offer means that Hernández will now look for a long-term deal, and his decision puts him in a highly competitive market. Teams are always searching for right-handed power hitters, and Hernández has proven that he can provide exactly that. While his batting average has fluctuated, his power numbers are undeniably strong. It’s that power, along with his ability to play both corner outfield spots, that makes him an appealing option for teams looking to boost their offense.
The Dodgers’ Need for a Power Bat
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a team that is consistently in contention, but like all contenders, they are always seeking ways to improve. After a disappointing exit in the 2023 playoffs, where they were swept in the National League Division Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers are looking to make strategic moves to strengthen their roster. One area where the team could use reinforcement is in their lineup’s power department. Although they have a number of reliable hitters, the Dodgers lacked a true power presence in 2023. The departure of players like Justin Turner and Max Muncy’s inconsistent performance during the postseason highlighted the need for a consistent slugger.
Teoscar Hernández, with his 30+ home run potential, is a natural fit for what the Dodgers are looking for. He can provide the type of offensive firepower that could complement the team’s existing core of hitters. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith are all established stars, but adding another proven slugger could give the Dodgers the depth they need to keep opposing pitchers on their toes throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.
Moreover, the Dodgers are known for their flexibility in player acquisition, especially in the outfield, where they’ve thrived in recent seasons. While they currently have solid options in the outfield, including Betts and Chris Taylor, Hernández would add another dynamic bat and give manager Dave Roberts more flexibility in the lineup. With his right-handed bat, he would balance out the Dodgers’ left-handed heavy lineup, giving them an extra weapon against both left- and right-handed pitchers.
The Complication: The Qualifying Offer
However, there’s a significant factor that complicates the Dodgers’ pursuit of Hernández: the qualifying offer that he rejected. When a player declines a qualifying offer and signs with another team, that new team must forfeit a draft pick as compensation to the player’s former club. This could discourage some teams from pursuing Hernández due to the risk of losing a valuable draft pick. However, this deterrent often isn’t a major issue for teams like the Dodgers, who have a deep farm system and may not be as concerned about losing a pick.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers have shown in the past that they aren’t always willing to surrender draft picks for players, especially if they view the compensation as a long-term risk. The Dodgers are one of the most analytically driven teams in baseball, and they might weigh the potential cost of losing a draft pick against the projected value of signing Hernández. This internal debate could be one of the key factors in determining whether they move forward with an offer.
Alternatives for the Dodgers
Even if the Dodgers are hesitant to sacrifice a draft pick, it’s important to consider that they have a history of going after high-value targets without the immediate concern of losing a pick. Their willingness to trade top prospects for established players and sign big-name free agents is well-documented, and Hernández could fit into that strategy if the price is right.
However, Hernández isn’t the only player on the market who could fill the Dodgers’ need for power in the outfield. There are several other free agents and trade targets that the Dodgers could pursue in the offseason. Players like Cody Bellinger, who is coming off an excellent season with the Chicago Cubs, or the slugging right fielder J.D. Martinez, who has experience with the Dodgers, could present alternative solutions. The Dodgers might also explore potential trades for players like Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is a consistent offensive contributor and a left-handed bat.
Nevertheless, none of these alternatives would offer the same blend of power and experience that Hernández does. He has proven to be a reliable hitter for multiple seasons, and his ability to provide 30+ home runs per year is exactly what the Dodgers need. Adding him to their lineup would make them an even more formidable team in 2024.
Teoscar’s Market Value
Hernández’s decision to decline the qualifying offer likely signals that he believes he can secure a more lucrative contract on the open market. With a bat like his, he could be in line for a multi-year deal. Some teams may even be willing to overlook the draft pick compensation in order to add a player who has demonstrated consistent power throughout his career. Given his age and production, it’s realistic that Hernández could seek a deal worth between $80 to $100 million over four to five years.
The Dodgers, with their deep pockets and willingness to make big moves, could easily match or exceed any offers for Hernández. However, they will need to weigh the value of the draft pick they would lose in the process. Should they choose to move forward, it would likely mean a significant financial commitment, but it could provide a key piece for the team’s championship aspirations.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the Dodgers
Teoscar Hernández’s decision to decline the Mariners’ qualifying offer has thrown the spotlight on the Dodgers, and they now face a pivotal decision. The question is simple but significant: will they pursue him and risk the draft pick compensation, or will they look elsewhere for a power-hitting outfielder?
For the Dodgers, this offseason could determine the direction of their next few years. With several key free agents and trade possibilities on the horizon, adding a player like Hernández would be a bold step toward building a more powerful, more balanced roster. However, it’s clear that every decision, including whether to move on Hernández, will be weighed carefully in the context of long-term competitiveness.
In the coming weeks, the Dodgers’ front office will be under pressure to make the right move, and their decision on Teoscar Hernández will be one of the defining moments of the 2024 offseason.
