"Very cozy behind Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman" - MLB analyst on 2x All-Star's fit with Dodgers after signing a 3-year deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to strengthen in the offseason following their eighth World Series title win after defeating the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic in October.

The Dodgers brought back All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez after reportedly agreeing a three-year, $66 million deal on Friday. The deal also includes a $15 million club option for 2028.

MLB analyst Matt Snyder shared insights on the Dodgers bringing back Hernandez after his career-best season for the team in 2024 that culminated with the World Series title.

He said (0:50 onwards):

"It's a very mutually beneficial deal much like the deal was last year. He really came into his own, had a career year there on his one-year deal where he bet on himself and he won. Now, he gets to three years and $66 million, great cleanup man for that Dodgers lineup, you know, they've got the three MVPs at the top: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.

"His value help the Dodgers win the World Series and now he comes back on this deal, slots right back into that cleanup spot, very cozy behind Ohtani, Betts and Freeman right there before they get to the second half of the order there, with Muncy, Smith and Edman. Just a great great fit in that lineup and the Dodgers don't have to go longer than three years here."

Teoscar Hernandez reacts to his Dodgers contract

Teoscar Hernandez emerged as a fan-favorite after signing for the Dodgers last offseason. Despite being surrounded by some of the biggest names in baseball, the veteran outfielder carved his own place in the roster with a career-high 33 home runs and .840 OPS.

Although Hernandez walked into free agency after the 2024 season, the two-time All-Star maintained his desire to return to LA.

“My hopes are really high,” Hernández said after the World Series win. “Like I’ve said before, the Dodgers are the priority, obviously. I’m going to do everything in my power to come back.”

Following the news of his return to the Dodgers on Friday, Teoscar Hernandez shared an Instagram story, writing:

"I'm back."

(Image source - Instagram)

Earlier this offseason, the Dodgers extended NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, who is likely to spend most of the time in centerfield and with Hernandez's return, the Dodgers outfield strengthens further.