Teoscar Hernandez Linked to Surprising Team

His 2024 season couldn't have gone better. Teoscar Hernandez signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, had his best season in years, and was a big contributor in a World Series championship. Now, as a free agent, certainly he wouldn't want to leave LA, would he?

According to a report from Andy McCullough of The Athletic, however, he sees Hernandez as potentially signing with the Cincinnati Reds.

Let’s dream a Queen City dream for a moment. The Reds lured Terry Francona out of retirement by selling the prospect of winning with a young core. The lineup could use a cleanup hitter. Owner Bob Castellini has supported payrolls beyond $100 million in the past, and he can certainly afford to do so again in 2025.

The Great American Ballpark is about as good a hitting environment as there is in the majors, and Hernandez would have the likes of Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain on base ahead of him. It could make for a monster year for Teo.

And as noted by Mark Sheldon on mlb.com, Reds GM Nick Krall is indeed looking to add hitters this offseason, most notably an outfielder.

“We’re looking to add hitters to our club," Krall said. "Most likely it’s going to be an outfielder over an infielder, but I wouldn’t rule anything out just yet."

Hernandez blasted a career-high 33 homers last season, with 99 RBIs, an .840 OPS and a 137 OPS+.

Of course, if the Dodgers don't land Juan Soto on the free agent market, it's quite likely they pivot to bring back Teoscar in a hurry.