The top superstar had an outstanding season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the best performance of his career since 2021. The 32-year-old quickly won over fans with his impressive bat, securing his first career Home Run Derby title and setting a new Dodgers franchise record. He also achieved a career-high 33 home runs in 2024 and hit a grand slam in Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, narrowing the Dodgers’ deficit.
However, Hernández’s time with Los Angeles may be coming to an end. After winning the World Series, he chose to become a free agent in hopes of landing a multi-year contract. While he has shown interest in staying with the Dodgers, other teams may offer more lucrative deals and opportunities.
Hernández signed a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers last offseason, after not attracting much attention in free agency following his 2023 season. But after his standout year, he’s now in a stronger position to secure the long-term deal he’s been seeking.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report speculated that Hernández could receive a five-year, $100 million offer from the New York Yankees, similar to the deal Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos signed in 2022.
The Yankees got a closer look at Hernández during the World Series, where he hit a two-run home run in Game 2 and made a key defensive play, throwing out Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton at home plate.
Reuter noted that the Dodgers still have a strong chance of re-signing Hernández, despite his decision to decline the franchise’s qualifying offer. The team is reportedly still in talks with the two-time All-Star.
However, Hernández’s market could expand once free agent outfielder Juan Soto makes his decision, potentially leading to more competitive offers. If the Dodgers manage to sign Soto—who is reportedly considering offers upwards of $600 million—there may not be room or funds left for Hernández. The New York teams, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are also in the mix for Soto, with offers that could reach $700 million.
Soto is expected to announce his decision soon, possibly before the start of the Winter Meetings.
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