"Outfield version of Freddie Freeman" - Dodgers analyst gives huge compliment to LA's $66,000,000 acquisition

Los Angeles Dodgers signed Teoscar Hernandez to a three-year, $66 million contract after weeks of speculation about his future as a free agent.

The 32-year-old outfielder played a starring role last season as they won the World Series. Discussing Hernandez's importance in the LA clubhouse MLB Network on Saturday, Dodgers analyst David Vassegh paid him a huge compliment:

"I am a firm believer that Teoscar Hernandez and the Dodgers are better together than apart.

"And I know we look at the 33 home runs and the 99 RBIs but look at that games played. He was the outfield version of Freddie Freeman for the Dodgers. 154 games, you don't see that in this day and age of load management and guys kind of sitting out for different reasons. So not only was he a team player and a mentor, but also a guy that produced and played every day."

Teoscar Hernandez signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2011 and made his MLB debut with them in 2016. He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017, where he spent six years. After a brief stint with the Seattle Mariners, Hernandez signed a one-year deal with LA in 2024 and had a career-best season.

Over the past year, Hernandez has become a crucial part of the LA clubhouse and been a bridge between players of different backgrounds and languages. He played a huge role in building team morale and connected with fans as well.

On the field, Hernandez was a reliable outfielder who was consistent over the regular season and also delivered in the playoffs. While it took some time for the LA front office to re-sign him, it isn't a surprising move.

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Dodgers insider reveals that Teoscar Hernandez received a two-year offer from NL rivals before signing with LA

Los Angeles Dodgers have held on to the stars from their World Series-winning lineup by re-signing Teoscar Hernandez on Friday. Following the move, insider Valentina Martinez has said that the slugger received a two-year offer of a similar value from the New York Mets a day earlier.

However, Hernandez had been clear about his desire to return to the LA organization this winter. While the LA front office had also been vocal of its interest in him, it took longer than expected for the two parties to agree a deal.