Teoscar Hernández: Bolstering the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Offense

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant move by signing Teoscar Hernández to a one-year, $23.5 million contract. This acquisition fills a crucial void in the outfield and provides the team with an everyday option who can make an impact in the lineup.

Hernández joins an already formidable offense led by stars like Mookie Betts, newly-signed Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Will Smith. Max Muncy, James Outman, and Gavin Lux are also expected to be regular contributors, with Jason Heyward filling a platoon role.

The Dodgers have high hopes for Hernández, envisioning him as a power-hitting right-handed bat that will add depth to their lineup. While he has shown significant home run pop over the past four years, his strikeout numbers have been a concern for some. However, the Dodgers’ general manager, Brandon Gomes, expressed confidence in Hernández’s abilities and stated that they are not overly concerned about the strikeouts.

Gomes believes that Hernández’s presence in a deep lineup will naturally lead to increased walk rates and that the team does not plan to make major changes to his hitting approach. They appreciate the diversity he brings to the lineup and his ability to hit all types of pitches. Hernández excels at crushing high-velocity pitches and poses a real danger to opposing pitchers when he gets pitches in the strike zone.

Hernández had a strikeout rate of 31.1% in 2023, slightly higher than his career average of 29.7%. However, the Dodgers have other players, like Betts, Freeman, Smith, and Heyward, who are adept at putting the ball in play and can offset Hernández’s strikeouts.

The Dodgers expect Hernández to bring a more aggressive approach to the lineup, which can sometimes be too passive. With the addition of Hernández’s power-hitting abilities and Ohtani’s production as a replacement for J.D. Martinez, the Dodgers have the potential to build on their historic 2023 offense.

While Hernández’s 2023 numbers may not have been consistently eye-popping, the Dodgers are focusing on his power output. Despite a slightly lower wRC+ of 105 in 2023 compared to his previous three-year stretch, where he averaged a 133 wRC+, Hernández still managed to hit 26 home runs and drive in 93 runs.

The Dodgers value Hernández not only for his offensive capabilities but also for his ability to play the corner outfield spots effectively. After appearing in 160 games in 2023, he has shown that he can be a reliable everyday player. With his power, versatility, and the ability to crush left-handed pitching, Hernández provides a solid foundation for the Dodgers’ offense heading into the upcoming season.