"I don’t know if Shohei Ohtani liked me" – Teoscar Hernandez opens up about their unexpected friendship and bond

Earlier this week, it was announced that Teoscar Hernandez would return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two sides agreed on a three-year, $66 million deal after the slugger briefly entered free agency.

Hernandez is coming off a fantastic season in L.A. He started 154 games, hitting .272/.339/.501 with a career-high 33 home runs and 99 runs batted in. He was vital in helping the Dodgers secure their eighth World Series title with relative ease.

One person who is likely excited to remain teammates with Hernandez is the two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. The two quickly struck up a friendship early into the 2024 season, per Grandes en los Deportes.

"It was incredible (the relationship with Ohtani). It was a friendship that was created out of nowhere. I don't know if he liked me, but from the moment I arrived at training he greeted me and so on" said Hernandez.

Hernandez revealed that he was not sure if Ohtani liked him, but Ohtani greeted him with open arms when he arrived at camp. This goes to show the leadership qualities that the three-time MVP holds, even when he was the new face in the clubhouse.

Re-signing Hernandez is a win-win for both sides. He is a fantastic player coming off a career year and did not break the bank. It will be interesting to see if he can have a better season in 2025 while not being worried about his immediate future.

Teoscar Hernandez could not see himself playing for anyone other than the Dodgers in 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers - Teoscar Hernandez (Photo via IMAGN)

Teoscar Hernandez enjoyed his 2024 season with the Dodgers, and for good reason. It was an incredible season where Hernandez earned his first World Series ring.

For many, returning to the club that just won it all would be ideal, but Hernandez made that his mission. He could not see himself playing for anyone other than the Blue Crew in 2025.

"I always had a clear vision of returning to the champion team of the Dodgers and that is why I did not wait any longer for another offer in free agency" said Hernandez.

Hernandez likely could have secured a better or longer deal with another club this winter, but that was not on his mind. With the way the club looks going into next season, they have a great opportunity to repeat as World Series champions.