Teoscar Hernandez has inked a lucrative deal for his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers following a standout first season. The All-Star outfielder and the reigning World Series champions have agreed to a three-year contract worth $66 million, the team disclosed on Friday. The agreement includes a club option valuing $15 million for the 2028 season, accompanied by a $6.5 million buyout, $23.5 million in deferred payments, and a $23 million signing bonus, as per ESPN’s report on December 27.
Reflecting on his return, Hernandez expressed his admiration for the Dodgers, highlighting their inclusive approach and the support they provide beyond just on-field performance. “The Dodgers, they’re different,” Hernandez remarked during the press conference on Friday. “They think about everybody, not only the player and what I can do on the field. They give me confidence.”
Additionally, the Dodgers have also secured a deal with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $12.5 million. Kim, who had until 5 p.m. ET on Friday to secure an MLB team or return to the Kiwoom Heroes in South Korea, will have a two-year team option for the 2028-29 seasons, potentially earning an extra $9.5 million. Kim, set to turn 26 at the end of January, brings a solid defensive presence at multiple infield positions and showcased his offensive prowess with a .326 batting average, 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 36 attempts during the last season in the KBO league.
Hernandez, a native of the Dominican Republic, initially joined the Dodgers as a free agent on January 12, 2024, preferring a one-year contract worth $23.5 million over multi-year offers. His decision paid off handsomely as he emerged as a vital contributor to the Dodgers’ successful regular season and postseason campaigns, boasting a .250 batting average with three home runs, 12 RBIs, and 10 walks, while reaching base in 15 of 16 playoff games.
When considering his options this offseason, Hernandez acknowledged exploring opportunities with other teams but ultimately remained steadfast in his desire to continue his journey with the Dodgers. “Dodgers were the priority,” Hernandez affirmed. “I was going to do everything in my power to come back. For me, money wasn’t the issue. I could’ve gotten 5, 6 more million from other teams.” In the regular season, Hernandez impressed with a .272 batting average, a career-best 33 home runs, 99 RBIs in 154 games, a .339 on-base percentage, and a .501 slugging percentage. He earned his second All-Star Game selection, triumphed in the Home Run Derby, and secured his third Silver Slugger award.
Throughout his career spanning stints with the Houston Astros (2016-17), Toronto Blue Jays (
