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After their recent World Series title, the Los Angeles Dodgers seemed like a lock to re-sign outfielder Teoscar Hernández.
Los Angeles fans embraced the outfielder for his personality and the career-high 33 homers he slugged in Dodger Blue. Hernández seemed to love the city just as much, evidenced by his emotional speech at the World Series parade. However, a series of rumors arose and appeared to spell disaster for the Dodgers' chances to re-sign Hernández.
Alden González of ESPN reported that Hernández and Los Angeles encountered "gaps" in their negotiations they have been unable to close. The news allowed the Red Sox and Yankees, among other teams, to explore their interest in the outfielder.
But, luckily for the Dodgers, Boston and New York seem to have changed their plans. The Red Sox have reverted to their uncompetitive free agent pursuits and the Yankees have shifted their focus to trading for Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker.
The Red Sox and Yankees' pivoting from Teoscar Hernández gives Dodgers perfect chance to close a deal
"All signs point to a reunion happening."@alannarizzo and @realFRG make the case and are optimistic that Teoscar Hernandez will return in 2025. pic.twitter.com/o6d11e5Izd
— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory) December 12, 2024
Boston has a recent history of lowballing free agents — it's how the Dodgers ended up with Hernández in the first place. The Sox refused to pay Max Fried before the Yankees got to him, and they seem unwilling to make a play for Corbin Burnes. The Red Sox's link to Hernández still persists as they search for a right-handed bat, but the team's refusal to spend any money on capable free agents bodes well for LA's chances of a reunion with the 32-year-old.
The Yankees signed Fried to a record-breaking eight-year, $218 million deal and then pivoted to the trade market. New York had the second-highest payroll in the league last season, mostly tied up in veteran players. Juan Soto's contract likely jacked up Hernández's asking price into an uncomfortable range for the Yankees.
The Dodgers should capitalize on Boston's hesitation and New York's migration to the trade market to sign Hernández before another team meets his demands. He fit in too well in Los Angeles to let him walk for another club.