Following the acquisitions of Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, as well as the signing of Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers have continued their quest to strengthen their roster.

With Mookie Betts slated to play second base regularly, the team had a pressing need for a corner outfielder. While they were linked to various outfielders like Max Kepler and Joc Pederson, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman emphasized the desire to add a right-handed bat.

Teoscar Hernández emerged as a prominent name in the offseason rumors, and speculation intensified in recent days. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has now reported that the Dodgers have reached an agreement with Hernández on a one-year contract.

Hernández was initially expected to secure a multi-year deal but opted for a one-year contract with the Dodgers to rebuild his value and potentially re-enter free agency next offseason. Passan also noted that the deal includes deferred money.

Despite a somewhat down season with the Seattle Mariners, Hernández still put up respectable numbers, batting.258/.305/.435 with 29 doubles, 26 home runs, 93 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 106 over 160 games. Notably, he excelled against left-handed pitching, hitting.287/.307/.511 with 11 doubles, seven home runs, and 27 RBIs in 150 plate appearances.

From 2020 to 2022, Hernández boasted an impressive streak of three consecutive seasons with an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) above.807 and a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 130 or higher. He earned Silver Slugger Awards in back-to-back years and was selected for the 2021 MLB All-Star Game.

Hernández is expected to assume the role of the Dodgers’ everyday left fielder, forming a platoon with Jason Heyward and Manuel Margot in right field, while James Outman handles center field duties.

Looking ahead, the Dodgers are reportedly still interested in bolstering their starting pitching rotation, aiming to add depth, particularly with several pitchers who may have innings limitations.

Additionally, they have been linked to sought-after relief pitchers such as Josh Hader and Robert Stephenson as they seek to fortify their bullpen.

As the Dodgers continue to make strategic moves, their focus remains on assembling a formidable and well-rounded roster for the upcoming season.