The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly exploring backup choices in case Teoscar Hernández doesn’t re-sign with the defending World Sequence champions.
One potential candidate to step in is outfielder Anthony Santander, who has been linked to the Dodgers as a possible Plan B.
“Santander, who ranked third within the majors with 44 residence runs final season, is believed to be searching for a five-year deal, doubtless within the $100 million vary,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported. “The Yankees, Pink Sox, and Blue Jays – who all missed out on Soto when he signed with the Mets – are considering Santander. Different groups to observe embody the Dodgers, Tigers, and Nationals.”
Extra information: ESPN Insider Predicts Teoscar Hernandez Leaves Dodgers for Blue Jays
Santander’s improvement right into a constant big-league hitter took time, together with his energy potential first rising in 2019 when he hit 20 residence runs in 93 video games as a 24-year-old. His breakout season got here in 2022, hitting 33 residence runs over 152 video games. That marked the beginning of a three-year stretch throughout which he hit 105 residence runs and remained impressively sturdy, enjoying in over 150 video games annually. The 2024 season, nevertheless, was a profession 12 months for Santander, as he hit 44 residence runs and surpassed 100 RBIs for the primary time.
The timing couldn’t be higher for the 30-year-old, who earned his first All-Star choice simply months earlier than coming into free company. He’s now poised to safe a profitable contract this offseason.
Feinsand had beforehand related the Dodgers with Santander, noting that Los Angeles was among the many groups pursuing Juan Soto. He added that “Teoscar Hernández would look like the staff’s Plan B” and if Hernández indicators elsewhere, Santander could be a really perfect candidate to fit into proper subject.
Contract projections for Hernández and Santander are comparable, with anticipated annual values within the $20-23 million vary. Nonetheless, Hernández’s projected offers are shorter in size, as he’s two years older than Santander.
Hernández, who averages 32 residence runs per 162 video games, brings extra than simply uncooked energy. In 2024, he posted a .272 batting common, a .339 on-base share, 32 doubles, two triples, 99 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases, matching his career-high.
Extra information: Teoscar Hernandez’s Contract Needs Revealed: Ought to Dodgers Give Him This Deal?
Picture Credit score: Matt Blewett-Imagn Photographs
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