The New York Yankees, like many major-market MLB teams, appear to be in a holding pattern. They’re competing to sign superstar Juan Soto, and as ESPN’s Jeff Passan has pointed out, many major offseason moves will be influenced by Soto’s contract decision. Once Soto’s situation is resolved, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicts the Yankees will secure another powerful hitter, with a five-year, $100 million deal. Reuter compares this potential contract to the one Nick Castellanos signed with the Phillies, noting that while a return to the Dodgers is still a possibility for Hernández, his market could expand once the Soto situation is settled.
Signing Teoscar Hernández away from the Dodgers could be a significant win for the Yankees. In 2024, Hernández posted a .272/.339/.501 line with Los Angeles, earning his third career Silver Slugger Award, making his second All-Star team, receiving MVP votes for the third time, and helping the Dodgers secure a World Series title. His strong performance on a one-year deal has likely increased his market value, and while the Dodgers could let him walk, with stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani leading their lineup, they might not prioritize re-signing him. Reuter noted, “After a solid but unspectacular 2023 season with the Mariners, Hernández signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers last offseason.
He responded with a career-high 33 home runs and a World Series title, positioning himself as one of the top hitters on the market.” The Yankees’ interest in Hernández could depend on whether they miss out on Soto and need an outfield replacement. Reuter also predicted that the Red Sox would ultimately sign Soto with a massive $675 million deal.
Leave a Reply