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Teoscar Hernandez to the Blue Jays update.
Photo credit: Vladimir Guerrero Jr Instagram
Teoscar Hernandez has made it clear that his preference is to return to the World Champion LA Dodgers.
However as Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation reported Thursday that both sides have yet to agree on an extension.
McKain added that Hernandez has a lot of interest from other clubs.
A Blue Jays reunion is the most likely the outcome if the Dodgers and Hernandez don't get a deal done shortly.
The Red Sox are aggressive but thought to be a distant third.
The Yankees, Phillies and Reds appear interested but are longshots according to the industry.
Teoscar Hernandez has received multiple offers, but is still prioritizing re-signing with the Dodgers, sources tell me.
The Blue Jays are currently in 2nd, with the Red Sox a distant 3rd.
The Yankees are less of a priority. The Phillies and Reds have also checked in.- Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) December 13, 2024
One of Mckain's sources added that the the major hold up is on the deals AAV and signing bonus.
McKain also reports that Hernández isn't willing to include any contract deferrals, as he did in the one-year, $23.5-million contract signed last off-season.
Teoscar belted a career-high 33 home runs last season, posting 99 RBIs and a .272/.339/.501 slash line while accounting for a 134 wRC+ in 154 games, worth 3.5 fWAR.
With the Dodgers issuing Hernández a qualifying offer, The Blue Jays would be required to give up a 2025 second-round draft pick and $500,000 from its international bonus pool.
It's believed that Teoscar Hernandez is currently training in Florida with Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who spends his off-season working out at a private gym alongside Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. posted a picture on Instagram of himself and Teoscar Hernández with this emoji: 🙏
Hernández liked the post.
The Dodgers free agent is currently drawing interest from Toronto. pic.twitter.com/uUm8nGjO4q- Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 11, 2024
If the Blue Jays strike out on Hernandez they will pivot to switch hitting outfielder Anthony Santander, who had a career year with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, hitting 44 home runs and 102 RBIs while slashing .235/.308/.506 in 155 contests.