Giants Urged to Poach Three-Time Silver Slugger Teoscar Hernández from Dodgers for $60M

The San Francisco Giants are entering a pivotal offseason with ambitions of making big moves to return to contention in the National League West. However, their early efforts to land a player like Juan Soto — a trade target who could completely reshape their lineup — appear to be falling short. With those hopes seemingly dashed, could Buster Posey, the Giants’ president of baseball operations, turn to a more practical target and poach a key piece from their division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers?

Teoscar Hernández, the slugging outfielder who played a vital role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series championship, could be the answer. After a stellar season in Los Angeles, Hernández is once again hitting the free-agent market — and while he’s expressed a strong desire to stay with the Dodgers, the Giants could make a compelling offer that disrupts their NL West rivals’ plans.

A Strong 2024 Season in L.A.

Teoscar Hernández, 32, was a crucial contributor to the Dodgers’ success this season. After signing a one-year, $23.5 million deal with Los Angeles, he posted solid numbers across the board. The outfielder hit .272 with an impressive .339 OBP and .501 SLG, totaling 33 home runs, 99 RBI, and 84 runs in 652 plate appearances. In the postseason, Hernández continued to perform, slashing .250/.352/.417 with three homers, 12 RBI, and eight runs scored — helping the Dodgers lift the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Hernández’s ability to hit for both power and average — combined with his solid defense — earned him a second career All-Star selection and his third Silver Slugger Award. Despite his success in Los Angeles, Hernández is again a free agent this offseason. And while the Dodgers have shown interest in re-signing him, the Giants may look to swoop in and take advantage of the uncertainty.

Hernández as a Strategic Fit for the Giants

The Giants have been vocal about their desire to upgrade their offense, especially with the struggles they’ve had in the power department in recent years. They’ve been rumored to be in the market for a star outfielder, and while names like Juan Soto were at the top of their wish list, those aspirations could be unrealistic due to Soto’s astronomical price tag.

Instead, Teoscar Hernández could be a more attainable and cost-effective solution. According to FanSided’s Chris Landers, Hernández offers a middle-of-the-lineup punch without the long-term commitment and financial strain that a big-money deal for Soto would require. Hernández’s presence in the lineup would provide much-needed pop, especially for a team that has struggled to keep up with the offensive firepower of division rivals like the Dodgers and San Diego Padres.

Landers suggests that if the Giants are the team willing to go the extra mile to land Hernández — especially if other teams like the Yankees and Dodgers are distracted by a high-profile pursuit of Soto — the Giants could significantly improve their offense.

Market Value: A Reasonable Gamble

According to Spotrac, Hernández’s market value is pegged at around three years and $71 million, while MLB Trade Rumors predicts a slightly lower deal — three years, $60 million. Either of these contract predictions would represent a solid investment for the Giants, especially given Hernández’s track record as a proven middle-of-the-order bat with a history of consistency.

Though the Giants have room to spend this winter, they must be mindful of their payroll and long-term financial commitments. Hernández’s contract would provide an attractive alternative to a mega-deal like Soto’s, which could stretch the Giants’ budget well beyond comfort. Signing Hernández would allow the team to fill a key need without sacrificing future flexibility.

The Dodgers’ Dilemma

Of course, the Dodgers will likely be a serious contender for Hernández’s services. As Chris Landers noted, Los Angeles will be a major player in free agency this winter, and the Dodgers would love to bring Hernández back to anchor their lineup for another season. With key players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ offense already packs a punch, but Hernández’s power bat would give them even more depth.

Still, as the pursuit of Juan Soto heats up, the Dodgers may find themselves distracted by the high-stakes negotiations, leaving the door slightly open for a team like the Giants to swoop in and secure Hernández’s signature before the Dodgers can fully commit.

The Bottom Line: Can the Giants Land Hernández?

While the idea of signing Teoscar Hernández may not generate the same level of excitement as adding a megastar like Soto, it could be the more pragmatic move for the San Francisco Giants this offseason. Hernández would provide the team with much-needed offensive firepower and an upgrade to their outfield, all while preserving financial flexibility for the future. His strong 2024 performance with the Dodgers showed that he’s capable of contributing at the highest level, and if the Giants are serious about competing in the NL West, this may be the right move.

For the Giants, signing Hernández would not only improve their roster but also serve as a strategic blow to their division rivals, the Dodgers. If the Giants can beat Los Angeles to the punch, this could be a key move that strengthens their roster and weakens the Dodgers at the same time.

Stay tuned — if the Giants decide to make a play for Hernández, it could be one of the more intriguing free-agent storylines of the offseason.