Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers last offseason.
Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez Sends Blue Jays Message After $66 Million Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career. He was selected to the All-Star game for the second time in his career, earned NL MVP votes, and earned a Silver Slugger Award. Furthermore, he played a big part in Los Angeles' World Series victory.
Despite his fantastic campaign last season, the Dominican Republic native's future with the Dodgers was still up in the air in the offseason as a free agent. However, he signed a three-year, $66 million deal to remain with the team.
During the Dodgers' three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Hernandez's former team, he sent a message regarding his free agency last offseason that some fans may not want to hear.
Hernandez spent parts of six seasons in Toronto from 2017-2022. During his time with the Blue Jays, he was a crucial part of the team and was briefly an MVP candidate. Though the team traded him nearly three years ago, the two-time All-Star was fantastic in Toronto and made his impact felt, so much so that he nearly re-joined the team last offseason.
Recently, Hernandez revealed that he was "really close" to reuniting with the Blue Jays in the offseason. Ultimately, this did not work out, and he returned to the Dodgers instead (h/t Shi Davidi of Sportsnet).
“We actually came really close to a reunion so I can come back to Toronto,” said Hernandez. “They were trying to do a couple of things, I'm not going to say what, but they were trying to do a couple things first. And they said if this worked out, we can get together, we can sit down and talk about a contract. So, yes, it was really close.”
Teoscar Hernandez Remains Essential to the Dodgers' Success
Despite how close he may have been to returning to Toronto, Hernandez's priorities are still to contribute to the Dodgers' success as they look to repeat as World Series Champions.
Through 96 games this season, the 32-year-old is batting .254 and has recorded 18 home runs and 69 RBIs. Furthermore, the Dodgers are currently 68-51 and hold a one-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the NL West lead.
With a little over a month remaining in the season, Los Angeles is in a good position to make another deep playoff run and return to the World Series. However, in order for them to do so, they need everybody to bring their A-game, including Hernandez.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
