Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Cincinnati Reds have already made a significant splash this offseason with the hiring of Terry Francona as their new manager, a move that signals their commitment to turning things around after several years of underperformance. The Reds have had just three winning seasons since 2014, never surpassing 83 wins in any of those campaigns. Now, with Francona at the helm, the organization is looking to add pieces that can help propel them back into contention, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
One name that could add much-needed firepower to the Reds’ lineup is Teoscar Hernández, the 32-year-old outfielder who spent a productive year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. Hernández, who bet on himself last offseason by signing a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers, saw that gamble pay off in a big way. The right-handed slugger earned his second All-Star Game selection and his third Silver Slugger Award after posting a stellar .840 OPS, hitting 33 home runs, driving in 99 RBI, and scoring 84 runs in 652 plate appearances.
With Hernández’s solid season and the Dodgers coming off a World Series championship, many expected him to return to Los Angeles. However, as the MLB Winter Meetings quickly approach, Hernández remains unsigned, leaving the door open for other teams, including the Reds, to swoop in and make a move.
A Perfect Fit for the Reds’ Lineup
Cincinnati’s lineup could certainly use a cleanup hitter, and Hernández fits that role perfectly. With Francona taking over the reins in the dugout, the Reds are looking to build around their young core, and adding a proven slugger like Hernández could be the catalyst they need to take the next step. As The Athletic’s Andy McCullough points out, the Reds have already made waves by luring Francona out of retirement with the promise of a winning future. With an owner in Bob Castellini who has previously supported payrolls beyond $100 million, the Reds have the financial flexibility to make a big play for Hernández.
While McCullough acknowledges that Hernández is likely to return to the Dodgers or potentially head to other big-market teams like the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, or Seattle Mariners, the possibility of the Reds landing him is worth considering. Given the Reds’ position as a team on the rise and their need for an experienced middle-of-the-order bat, Hernández could be an ideal fit.
A Three-Year, $69 Million Projection
The market for Hernández is still developing, but Tim Britton of The Athletic projects he will sign a three-year, $69 million deal this winter. This estimate is in line with Spotrac’s market value, which suggests Hernández could command a similar contract, closer to $71 million. While this figure might be a bit steep for some teams, it falls well within the Reds’ payroll capabilities, especially if they are serious about building a contender around Francona’s leadership.
The Longer Hernández Stays on the Market, the More Opportunities for the Reds
In a typical offseason, free agents of Hernández’s caliber are quickly snatched up. But with the Winter Meetings approaching and Hernández still available, other teams are starting to take a closer look at the slugger. The longer he stays on the market, the more leverage the Reds will have to swoop in and make a competitive offer.
Adding Hernández would give the Reds a powerful bat to complement their promising young talent, helping to balance their lineup with experience and proven production. It would also be a statement move that shows the team is serious about contending in the near future.
Could This Be the Reds’ Big Move?
While it’s far from a done deal, the potential fit between Teoscar Hernández and the Cincinnati Reds is intriguing. The Reds are in a unique position with a new manager and a young, hungry roster, and adding a veteran presence like Hernández could be the piece that pushes them into postseason contention.
The Winter Meetings are just around the corner, and the Reds have the opportunity to make a bold move that could reshape the future of the franchise. Whether or not they can land Hernández remains to be seen, but this offseason could be the start of something special in Cincinnati.
