As the 2023 MLB season winds down and the focus shifts to the offseason, teams across the league are eyeing key free agents and trade opportunities to strengthen their rosters. Among the franchises actively planning for a major upgrade is the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a commitment to sustained championship contention, the Dodgers have built a reputation for making bold moves during the offseason, whether through free-agent signings, trades, or player development.

In a recent prediction article from Bleacher Report, the Dodgers are highlighted as the favorite to sign one of the most coveted outfielders on the market this winter: Teoscar Hernández, the 31-year-old Dominican slugger currently playing for the Seattle Mariners. This prediction has sent waves of excitement through the Dodgers’ fanbase and MLB circles, as Hernández’s powerful bat and steady production in the outfield could be the missing piece the Dodgers need to secure a World Series title in 2024.

In this article, we’ll explore why the Dodgers are considered favorites to sign Hernández, what the potential move could mean for the franchise, and what impact it could have on both the team’s lineup and its championship aspirations.

### Teoscar Hernández: A Look at His Career

Before diving into why the Dodgers would be interested in signing Teoscar Hernández, it’s important to understand who he is as a player and why he’s such a coveted free agent.

#### A Proven Power Bat

Hernández made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Toronto Blue Jays and quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. The outfielder has consistently been a power threat, belting 20 or more home runs in five of his seven full seasons. In 2021, Hernández had a breakout year, hitting 32 homers and driving in 116 RBIs, earning his first Silver Slugger award.

After being traded to the Mariners in the 2022 offseason, Hernández continued to produce at a high level. In 2023, he posted another solid season, finishing with 29 home runs, 73 RBIs, and a .273 batting average. His ability to hit for power, combined with a respectable on-base percentage and solid defense, makes him one of the more attractive options available this offseason.

#### Strong Defensive Skills

While Hernández is primarily known for his offensive prowess, he has also been an asset in the field. Over his career, he has demonstrated solid defensive ability in right field, showcasing a strong arm and respectable range. Although he’s not known for being a Gold Glove-caliber defender, he is more than capable of holding his own and providing value on both sides of the ball.

Hernández’s defensive profile, coupled with his offensive output, makes him a well-rounded player who can fit into a variety of team needs. His ability to play solid defense in the corner outfield spots will be a key consideration for any team looking to bolster their lineup with a power bat.

### Why the Dodgers are Eyeing Teoscar Hernández

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been one of the most successful and innovative franchises in MLB, and they are in a prime position to make a splash in the offseason. While the team has a stacked roster that has dominated the National League in recent years, the Dodgers have shown a willingness to continually improve by adding key pieces that can elevate them to championship contention.

#### Offensive Firepower to Pair with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers’ lineup has featured some of the best hitters in the game over the past few seasons, notably Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, both of whom have been MVP-caliber players in recent years. However, despite this offensive firepower, the team’s lineup has often lacked a consistent third bat who can hit for power and drive in runs at key moments.

Hernández fits this need perfectly. With his ability to slug home runs, especially against right-handed pitching, he would provide much-needed protection for Betts and Freeman in the middle of the lineup. Having a hitter of Hernández’s caliber would make the Dodgers’ lineup even more dangerous, giving opposing pitchers less room to breathe when facing the top of the order.

The addition of Hernández would also offer the Dodgers more flexibility in their lineup construction. With Betts, Freeman, and Hernández, the Dodgers would have three elite hitters who can all bat in various positions in the lineup, making it difficult for opposing managers to match up against them. Whether it’s in the 2-hole, 3-hole, or 4-hole, Hernández’s presence would give the Dodgers a dynamic lineup that is capable of scoring runs in bunches.

#### Addressing the Outfield Depth

While the Dodgers have a strong lineup overall, they have also faced some challenges in the outfield. The team has dealt with injuries to players like Chris Taylor and Trayce Thompson, and they have relied on a mix of contributors, such as James Outman and Jason Heyward, to fill gaps. While Outman had a promising season, Heyward’s resurgence in 2023 has been a welcome surprise, and Taylor remains a versatile, valuable option, the Dodgers may still look to solidify their outfield depth heading into 2024.

Teoscar Hernández would give the Dodgers a consistent and reliable presence in right field, allowing them to shift players like Betts to second base more regularly, which has been a more natural position for him. Additionally, Hernández could give them the flexibility to rest players like Betts or Freeman from time to time while still maintaining a powerful offensive presence in the outfield.

#### The Dodgers’ Financial Flexibility

Another reason the Dodgers are seen as heavy favorites to land Hernández is their financial flexibility. While the team has a high payroll, they also have the financial resources to make significant moves this offseason. With the contracts of players like Clayton Kershaw and J.D. Martinez coming off the books, the Dodgers are set to have ample room to sign free agents without significantly increasing their overall payroll.

Hernández is expected to command a contract worth upwards of $100 million over four to five years, a sum that the Dodgers can easily accommodate given their financial standing. Furthermore, signing a player like Hernández would allow the Dodgers to stay competitive in the short term, keeping their window of championship contention open while also building for the future.

### The Dodgers’ Path to Signing Hernández

While the Dodgers are in an advantageous position, signing Teoscar Hernández will not be without competition. Several other teams are likely to pursue him, including the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and others in need of a corner outfielder with power. However, the Dodgers are uniquely positioned to offer both a competitive salary and the opportunity to compete for a World Series title right away.

The Mariners, where Hernández has spent the last two seasons, may also be in the mix to re-sign the outfielder, but reports have suggested that they could prioritize other areas of the roster this offseason. Given their potential needs in pitching and other areas, the Mariners may not be able to match the Dodgers’ offer.

#### What Could a Deal Look Like?

While no official offers have been made at this point, experts expect that Hernández will sign a multi-year contract in the range of $20-25 million annually. The Dodgers, with their deep pockets and desire to stay competitive, are among the few teams that can comfortably offer this type of deal, making them a strong contender to sign him.

Should the Dodgers make a serious offer, it’s likely that Hernández would be enticed by the opportunity to play alongside some of the game’s best talent in a city where his skill set would be maximized. The allure of joining a perennial World Series contender would be tough to pass up.

### Conclusion: What Signing Hernández Would Mean for the Dodgers

If the Dodgers succeed in signing Teoscar Hernández, the move could prove to be a game-changer in their pursuit of another World Series championship. With Hernández’s powerful bat and solid defense, he would give the Dodgers a significant upgrade in their outfield and further bolster a lineup that already boasts two MVP-caliber players.

Beyond the immediate impact on the 2024 season, the acquisition of Hernández would also be a clear signal that the Dodgers are fully committed to maintaining their status as one of the league’s elite teams. As one of the favorites to sign him this offseason, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Teoscar Hernández is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the winter.

For fans of the Dodgers, the prospect of adding another impactful bat to an already loaded roster is a thrilling one, and the possibility of Hernández patrolling right field at Dodger Stadium next season is sure to spark plenty of excitement in Los Angeles. If this prediction from Bleacher Report proves accurate, it could be the move that propels the Dodgers back to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.