The Dodgers have signed a projected $60 million star outfielder following Juan Soto’s departure

The Los Angeles Dodgers attempted to sign renowned free agent Juan Soto, but were eventually unsuccessful. Soto signed with the New York Mets for $765 million.

As a result, the Dodgers must rely on a new outfielder, and the simplest solution is sitting right in front of them. Los Angeles added outfielder Michael Conforto earlier this winter, but a right-handed outfielder would still be very useful.

Michael Brakebill of FanSided recently predicted that Los Angeles would re-sign veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernández this winter. Jon Heyman of the New York Post predicts the free-agent outfielder will sign a $60 million contract this offseason.

“The Dodgers were close to landing Teoscar Hernández back toward the beginning of free agency, and it appears to be a deal that’s already etched in stone without Hernández signing on the dotted line,” Brakebill wrote. “The Dodgers went for it with Juan Soto, just in case they could land him, but were never really a favorite. Hernández slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2024, the production that LA. will welcome back with open arms. In 2024, he earned his second All-Star honor and his third Silver Slugger.”

This reunion makes sense. Hernández undoubtedly enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, particularly the World Series victory at the end of his Dodgers season.

If he returns to Los Angeles, it only increases the Dodgers’ prospects of earning back-to-back World Series victories. Los Angeles can come up with $20 million per year to pay the outfielder, especially if they use some deferred money from the contract.