“The prove-it deal was a bet on himself, and a chance to win it all with the best team in baseball,” he wrote. “Things worked out on both fronts for Hernandez, who had an All-Star season and won his first World Series ring. Hernandez is now ready to cash in and receive payment. As he approaches his 32nd season, this is his best chance to get a long-term contract. Tesocar is one of only a handful hitters to have hit at least 25 home runs in each complete season since 2019.
“His 158 home runs over that span rank 15th in MLB,” Finkelstein noted. “Many teams will call Hernandez to add some power to their lineup, but the differentiating factor in negotiations may come down to who is willing to commit the most years to him.”
If the Yankees miss out on Soto, signing Hernandez would be the next best option. His bat would help up for Soto’s loss while also being far less expensive.
Hernandez hit.272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. He is a two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner.
The Yankees are focused on signing Soto.
New York’s primary priority this offseason is to re-sign Soto.
The Yankees traded for Soto for one season, and owner Hal Steinbrenner hopes to retain him in the Bronx for the foreseeable future.
“Our fans really enjoyed having him in New York,” Steinbrenner stated. “He’s undoubtedly a big part of why we made it to the World Series. I have ears. I understand what’s required of me. So, it has been a priority. We would not have gone to the West Coast otherwise.”
Although Soto is the Yankees’ major target, Steinbrenner says he is unsure whether they would re-sign him.
“No idea,” Steinbrenner replied. “We will be in the mix. “I’ll leave it at that.”
Soto hit.288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs in 2024 for the Yankees.
Hernandez said re-signing with the Dodgers is his priority.
Hernandez signed a one-year contract with Hernandez last offseason, and he expects to return to Los Angeles.
The outfielder became a fan favourite and had success in the lineups, so he hopes to re-sign with the Dodgers.
“My hopes are really high,” Hernandez stated about re-signing with the Dodgers. “As I’ve previously stated, the Dodgers are undoubtedly the top priority. I will make every effort to return. I want us to be present, to be a part of this. I have a lot of pleasant memories here. I’ve learned a lot as both a player and a person. “It feels great to be a part of this.”
During the playoffs, Hernandez batted.250 with three home runs and twelve RBI.
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