Position: OF B/T: R/R
Age: 32 (08/15/1992)
2024 Traditional Stats: 652 PA, .272/.339/.501/.840, 160 H, 33 HR, 99 RBI
2024 Advanced Stats: 134 wRC+, 28.8 SO%, 8.1 BB%, .344 BABIP, .348 xwOBA, 3.5 fWAR, -11 OAA
Teoscar Hernández wrapped up another strong campaign as a member of the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, solidifying his reputation as one of baseball’s premier power hitters.
Hernández entered the league in 2016, but really broke out as a star player in 2019 and 2020 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Since then, he has established himself as a consistent offensive force, earning two Silver Slugger awards and averaging over roughly 30 home runs per season since 2019 as a member of the Jays, Seattle Mariners and the Dodgers.
Offensively, Hernández boasts a potent combination of power and above-average on-base skills. His .501 slugging percentage ranked among the league’s best (No. 5) this past season, and his 33 home runs surpassed a career-high of 32 set in 2021.
His .348 xwOBA and 134 wRC+ place him well above league average, making him an appealing middle-of-the-order bat for any lineup. Despite a high strikeout rate of 28.8%, which unfortunately ranks in the bottom ten percent of the league, Hernández’s .344 BABIP suggests he can still produce consistently thanks to his hard contact and ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Defensively, however, Hernández remains a liability. With -3 DRS and -11 OAA in 2024, his range and reaction times raise questions about his long-term viability as an everyday corner outfielder. Still, his above-average arm strength (top 30 percent league wide) can hold value in right field for teams willing to sacrifice defense for offense. Additionally, he could serve as a designated hitter as he ages, and his bat speed has not skipped a beat, remaining in the top third of the league.
As he enters his mid-30s, his sprint speed is slipping below league average. However, his track record of durability (140+ games played in five of the last six seasons) and consistent offensive production make him an appealing option for teams seeking a right-handed power bat.
Initially seeking a long-term deal, Hernández instead signed a short-term, one-year deal worth $23.5 million with the Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season, a move that paid off for both parties given Los Angeles took home a World Series trophy in October.
He had been seeking a three-year contract prior to signing that deal, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him looking for a contract of that length once more.
MLB Trade Rumors projects that Hernández will receive a three-year deal for $60 million.
The Mets could have interest in Hernández if they’re looking to add another power bat to the lineup, especially given his ability to mash left-handed pitching (.931 OPS in 2024).
However, his defensive struggles and the team’s potential outfield depth may make him a better fit elsewhere. Clubs like the Cincinnati Reds or the Dodgers, whom David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports may be closing in on an agreement with the 32-year-old, could be in the market for an outfielder who can slot into a corner position or DH role, maximizing his offensive contributions while minimizing his defensive impact.
With the Mets focused on Soto and pitching, the likelihood that the Mets remain in on Hernández, aside from the occasional check-in, is quite low.
The post Free Agent Profile: Teoscar Hernández, OF appeared first on Metsmerized Online.
