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Passan mentioned that the deal includes a fourth-year option for $15 million, over $23 million in deferred money, and a $23 million signing bonus.
Even though Hernandez played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series win, it took until now for both parties to agree on a new deal, despite the outfielder’s desire to stay with the team.
When Hernandez first joined the Dodgers before the 2024 season, the free agent market undervalued him, leading to a one-year, $23.5 million contract with $8.5 million deferred.
Hernandez showed improvement in almost every statistical category in 2024 compared to his 2023 season with the Seattle Mariners.
In fewer at-bats, Hernandez posted a .272 average, 33 home runs, 99 RBIs, 32 doubles, and 84 runs. Both his home runs and RBIs were career highs.
Hernandez’s standout moments in the 2024 season included a crucial two-run double in the Game 5 title-winning game and a home run in Game 2 that helped secure a lead for Los Angeles. He ranks 17th in home runs, 21st in RBIs, and 40th in OPS+ among hitters with at least 2,500 plate appearances since 2018.
After losing Buehler in free agency, the Dodgers signed Snell and re-signed Treinen to bolster their pitching staff. With Hernandez’s new deal, the team is set to have Conforto in right field and Hernandez in left field next season.
The deferred money in Hernandez’s contract isn’t surprising given the trend with other players like Ohtani, Betts, Smith, Freeman, Snell, and Edman. After a remarkable year and a World Series win, Hernandez’s return to the Dodgers comes on the back of his career-best performance.
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