Steve Webb
DENVER, CO — No offense to Shohei, but getting Teoscar Hernandez right before the season beagn might be the Dodgers’ biggest offseason move of the year. After a disappointing stint with the Seattle Mariners in 2023, Teoscar Hernández, the affable, sun-flower-seed-tossing Dominican, joined the Dodgers in 2024 and revitalized his career in remarkable fashion. One of the season’s most notable highlights has been Hernández setting a new career-high with 33 home runs, surpassing his previous best of 32. He set the new personal best on the second-to-last day of the season, drilling a three-run tank in the Dodgers blowout win over the Colorado Rockies.
Teo’s home run surge has provided the Dodgers with much-needed offensive firepower, particularly in a year when the team has dealt with several key injuries and roster changes. Hernández’s transition from Seattle to Los Angeles has been a tale of redemption. In 2023, while with the Mariners, Hernández struggled with inconsistency, leading to a season that many saw as underwhelming given his potential. He finished the year with 26 home runs and a .248 batting average—respectable numbers but far from the impact player Seattle hoped he would be. However, the move to the Dodgers, combined with a fresh start in a new lineup, has seen him return to his peak form.
A Steady Start to 2024
Hernández began his 2024 season quietly but showed signs of his power early on. In March, he hit three home runs, already signaling a potential bounce-back year. His batting average for the month was a modest .250, but his slugging percentage of .708 was a clear indication of the damage he could inflict. By April, Hernández was regularly contributing, hitting another three home runs and adding 16 RBIs, though his batting average dipped slightly to .255.
Despite some ups and downs in his overall performance, Hernández maintained his slugging consistency. By May, he had ramped up his contributions with six more home runs and a .505 slugging percentage, even as his batting average remained in the .250 range. This trend continued through the early summer months, with Hernández hitting homers in critical moments, further establishing himself as a key cog in the Dodgers’ offense.
Power Surge and Career-High Home Runs
As the season progressed, Hernández’s power numbers continued to climb. He hit six home runs in May and followed it up with several multi-home run games in June. By the end of June, his slugging percentage had risen to .516, and he was on pace to surpass his career-high of 32 home runs, a milestone he reached with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021.
Hernández’s home run barrage peaked in August, when he hit his 33rd home run of the season, setting a new personal record. His ability to hit the ball out of the park became a crucial asset for the Dodgers, who found themselves in tight games where timely long balls made all the difference. His power was especially notable in games against division rivals like the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks, where his home runs helped the Dodgers solidify their playoff position. But maybe the most thrilling tank job of the season came right here in Colorado in June during the Dodgers’ biggest 9th inning comeback of the year. After NOT getting rung up on a check swing, Teo blasted three-shot to cap off an 11-9 come-from-way-behind win.
Beyond the Long Ball
Of course the apex of Hernandez’s resurgence was is great performance in the Home Run Derby before the All-Star Game in Texas. He outbattled Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals in the final round to take home the coveted trophy.
While Hernández’s home run numbers have been the standout statistic of his 2024 season, his contributions go beyond just power. His ability to drive in runs consistently has been vital for the Dodgers. In addition to his 33 home runs, he has driven in over 99 RBI (and counting), making him one of the most reliable run producers on the team.
Hernández has also improved defensively in the outfield, playing both right and left field with greater consistency than in past seasons. His range and arm strength have been important in limiting extra bases for opposing teams, further solidifying his role as a well-rounded contributor.
A Vital Cog in the Dodgers’ Success
As the Dodgers push toward another postseason run, Teoscar Hernández’s resurgence has been one of the most critical storylines of their season. His 33 home runs, career-high in home runs, and all-around improved play have transformed him into a key player for the team. The Dodgers’ front office certainly took a risk bringing him on after his underwhelming year in Seattle, but Hernández has more than proven his worth, showing that he still has plenty left in the tank at age 31.
With only a one-year contract with the Dodgers, the world is going to be Teo’s oyster in 2025. This bounce-back season will make him one of the most coveted free agents during the offseason. He’s hinted at how much he would like to be a Dodger for a while. C’mon, Andrew. Let’s make that happen.
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