Teoscar Hernandez was a fan and clubhouse favourite during his years in Toronto, but the World Series champion made it clear in free agency which hue of blue he preferred to resume his power-hitting career.
And the outfielder, who felt his future would always be in a Blue Jays uniform before GM Ross Atkins unceremoniously traded him two years ago, got what he wanted. Multiple reports on Friday confirmed that Hernandez signed a three-year deal worth $66 million US to remain with the Dodgers, his first choice for multiple reasons..
As has been the case with many of the top free agents in the market this winter, the Jays were reportedly interested in bringing Hernandez back to add some desperately needed power to its meek offensive line up. Given how their first partnership ended, however, it always seemed like a stretch.
For starters, the free-spending Dodgers were always going to be his top choice, given the success he had there and the fact that the team is loaded to be a contender for years. The Jays wouldn’t even seriously negotiate an extension with Hernandez before dealing him.
It’s also difficult to gauge how serious the Jays would have been in the pursuit, given the team must have had their reasons for getting rid of him so swiftly following the 2022 season. In fact, it could be argued that Hernandez was the first departure in Atkins run prevention transition as he was dealt to the Mariners for pitchers Erik Swanson and Adam Mack.
It was apparent that the Jays trade of Hernandez – which happened on Nov. 16, 2022 in the very early stages of the off-season – didn’t set well with the personable Dominican at the time.
“A lot of questions, but at the end of the day, whatever I think, it doesn’t matter,” Hernandez said on his first visit back to Toronto during the 2023 season. “I took it the best way I could take it.
“It’s something you never expect, especially me. I was here for six years and spent a lot of time with the boys. But it is what it is. It’s a business. They did whatever they could to make the team better.”
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Hernandez certainly made the best of his post-Toronto life, obviously. He was a huge part of the Dodgers offence during their run to a World Series title this past fall and now returns for at least three more seasons to that stacked Los Angeles lineup.
Hernandez, who was an all-star with the Jays during the 2021 season, included 127 home runs in a Toronto uniform.
In staying with the Dodgers, at least the Jays don’t have to worry about seeing Hernandez in a Red Sox uniform, given Boston was reported to be another serious suitor for his services. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Dodgers deal includes a $15-million option for a fourth season.
Hernandez actually broke the news of his signing in a coy way – with an Instagram post saying “I’m back” and punctuated with a blue heart. Dodger blue, that is.
Now 32, Hernandez bet on himself for the 2024 season, signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers and responded by being named an all-star, winning the Home Run Derby and starring in the victorious Fall Classic.
Meanwhile, as the off-season drifts towards January, Atkins and the Jays still have work to do as another big bat is not longer available
The lone impact acquisition thus far is of elite defender Andres Gimenez, a star second basemen who will shore up the team’s infield defence. After coming off a season in which they had their worst offensive output since 1997, the Jays remain in desperate need of a big bat.
It won’t come in the form of a familiar face and fan favourite — if it comes at all.