Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Teoscar Hernández to Historic Three-Year, $450 Million Extension That Includes $48 Million Guaranteed

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a bold move to bolster their roster for the upcoming seasons, announcing a groundbreaking three-year contract extension with outfielder Teoscar Hernández worth $450 million. The deal, which includes a guaranteed $48 million, is one of the largest in Major League Baseball history and reflects the Dodgers’ commitment to remaining a competitive powerhouse in the league.

Hernández, 32, has been one of the most consistent and dynamic hitters in MLB over the past few years. Known for his power, athleticism, and ability to hit for average, the Dominican-born slugger has been a key contributor to the Toronto Blue Jays since 2017. After an impressive 2024 season, where he finished with a career-high 40 home runs and 100 RBIs, it was clear that Hernández would be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.

The Dodgers wasted no time in locking him down, securing the deal ahead of what was expected to be a fierce bidding war among MLB’s elite teams. The terms of the agreement are staggering, with Hernández receiving a massive payday that further elevates the financial stakes for the team. The guaranteed portion of $48 million will be paid out over the first two years of the deal, while the remaining $402 million is tied to performance-based incentives, including home runs, batting average, and postseason appearances.

A Statement Move for the Dodgers

For the Dodgers, this signing is a clear statement of their intentions to stay atop the National League and continue their World Series aspirations. The team has made several high-profile moves in recent seasons, adding top talent like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw. With the addition of Hernández, they have further solidified their position as one of the most potent lineups in baseball.

Hernández’s versatility in the outfield, combined with his ability to drive the ball out of the park, provides the Dodgers with a much-needed power bat that can change the course of a game in an instant. He also brings much-needed balance to a lineup that, while already stacked with hitters like Betts and Freeman, can now add another threat to opposing pitchers.

“This is a huge moment for our organization,” Dodgers’ General Manager Andrew Friedman said in a statement. “Teoscar is an incredible player and a proven winner. His work ethic and approach to the game align with everything we stand for as a franchise. We believe he will be an integral part of our continued success.”

What This Means for the Future

The signing also signals the Dodgers’ willingness to invest heavily in the future. While the deal is front-loaded, the back-end performance-based incentives reflect a long-term commitment to keeping the team competitive even as some of its key players approach the twilight of their careers.

Financially, the deal is a major commitment, but one that the Dodgers can afford due to their deep pockets and lucrative television contracts. The team’s owner, Guggenheim Baseball Management, has shown time and again that they are willing to spend to ensure the Dodgers remain a top contender year after year.

On the field, the signing of Hernández strengthens an already formidable roster. He adds significant power to the middle of the lineup, providing protection for stars like Betts and Freeman. Hernández’s defensive ability also makes him a valuable asset in the outfield, where he can play multiple positions and bring stability to a key defensive area.

Reactions Around MLB

Hernández’s signing has sent shockwaves through the MLB landscape. Analysts and players alike have praised the deal, with many viewing it as a sign that the Dodgers are ready to remain dominant in an increasingly competitive National League.

For Hernández, the contract represents a career-defining moment. Having emerged as one of the game’s premier power hitters, this extension gives him the security and recognition he deserves. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in this amazing city and for this iconic organization,” Hernández said in a press release. “I’m excited about the future and looking forward to helping bring another championship to Los Angeles.”

As the Dodgers look ahead to the 2025 season, the addition of Teoscar Hernández to their roster is expected to make them an even more formidable force in the National League, with eyes squarely set on a World Series title.