Dodgers bring back all-star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on 3-year, $66M US contract: reports

Teoscar Hernandez is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers after a triumphant first season, as the all-star outfielder and the World Series champions have agreed on a three-year, $66 million US contract, according to multiple reports on Friday evening.

Hernandez, 32, posted "I'm back" on his Instagram account, though the club has not confirmed the reports.

The deal includes a club option of $15 million for the 2028 season with a $6.5 million buyout, $23.5 million in deferred money and a $23 million signing bonus, ESPN reported.

Hernandez had signed on Jan. 12 as a free agent with the Dodgers, reportedly declining multi-year offers for a one-year, $23.5 million contract, with $8.5 million deferred.

The risk was rewarded as the native of the Dominican Republic was a key contributor to the Dodgers' regular-season run as well as through the playoffs.

He batted .250 with three homers, 12 RBIs and 10 walks, and reached base safely in 15 of 16 post-season games.

Hernandez batted .272 in the regular season with a career-high 33 home runs as well as 99 RBIs in 154 games. He sported a .339 on-base percentage and .501 slugging percentage.

He was voted to his second All-Star Game, where he also won the Home Run Derby. He also collected his third Silver Slugger award.

Hernandez is a career .263 hitter with 192 homers and 572 RBIs in 965 games for the Houston Astros (2016-17), Toronto Blue Jays (2017-22), Seattle Mariners (2023) and Dodgers.

The Dodgers had earlier this month signed veteran Michael Conforto (one year, $17 million) to a roster of outfielders including Tommy Edman, Chris Taylor, James Outman and Andy Pages. Shortstop Mookie Betts is a former outfielder and MVP.