No extension talks between Dodgers forward Teoscar Hernandez

The Dodgers had no discussions about an extension during the season Teoscar Hernandezthe slugger told reporters ahead of tonight's potential elimination game (X-Link via Fabian Ardaya of Athletic). Hernández doesn't seem bothered by the lack of talks, saying he's focused on the season and hasn't given much thought to free agency.

Hernández has enjoyed a fantastic rebound with a cushion contract. He hit a career high with 33 home runs and 652 plate appearances. His .272/.339/.501 slash line returned to the form he showed during his peak years with the Blue Jays. His mediocre .258/.305/.435 line with the 2023 Mariners looks like an anomaly — one that stems from his struggles in Seattle's pitcher-friendly home park.

The Mariners' down year was a big hit to Hernández's market a year ago. Clearly he couldn't find a multi-year contract he liked. He revealed the terms of an offer he received, telling WEEI's Rob Bradford in July that the Red Sox had proposed a two-year, $28 million contract. Hernández was not interested in playing multiple seasons at a lower average annual value of $14 million. He signed with Los Angeles for a total of $23.5 million, despite only collecting $15 million this year. The remaining $8.5 million will be paid out in ten installments between 2030 and 2039.

Hernández's bet on himself paid off. He will return to free agency in a better position than last season. The Dodgers can make him a qualifying offer. He would most likely forgo more than $21 million in salary in search of a long-term deal. Hernández turns 32 next month, so his term will likely be limited to three or, at most, four years. That could be around the $20 million average annual value that gamers like Kyle Schwarber And Nick Castellanos received as free agents. Hernández is probably the third-best outfielder in the class behind that Juan Soto And Anthony Santander.

(Related: Previewing the 2024-25 Corner Outfield Class)

Given Hernández's productivity, it stands to reason that the Dodgers will make some effort to retain the two-time All-Star at the end of the season. However, they might be wary of paying market price for a multi-year deal that runs through their mid-30s. Shohei Ohtanis Presence means the Dodgers would have to commit to playing Hernández in left field throughout the life of his contract. LA moved Mookie Betts When he returned from injury in early August, he moved back to right field. You used appointment pick-up Tommy Edman as their primary midfielder.

They want to keep a spot in the outfield long-term Andy Pages. As a rookie, the 23-year-old played primarily in midfield. Perspective evaluators have generally projected Pages into a corner, supported by the mediocre defensive numbers (-8 defensive runs saved, -1 outs above average) he posted in center. The Dodgers have toyed with becoming a top catcher Dalton Rushing more often in left field. Unless an injury occurs Will SmithThere is no path to regular playing time for rushing behind the plate in Los Angeles.