The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández to a three-year deal worth $66 million, with the team expressing confidence in his abilities. The signing was seen as likely after Hernández’s free agency, and both General Manager Brandon Gomes and Manager Dave Roberts praised his contributions to the team.
Hernández’s return comes amid an ongoing offseason for the Dodgers, who have also signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim to a three-year deal worth $12.5 million. The move is seen as a calculated risk by the team, which aims to bolster its bench and add more middle-infield options behind second baseman Gavin Lux.
The signing of Kim does not necessarily box the Dodgers into having Mookie Betts at shortstop, but rather provides another option for the position. This could potentially create a surplus of talent in the infield, with both Lux and Miguel Rojas already established players.
Gomes acknowledged that the team’s injuries last year were a concern, but believes that adding strong pieces at multiple positions will help mitigate this issue moving forward. The Dodgers still seek pitching, and Gomes expressed the organization’s preference to sign a reliever rather than trade for one at the deadline.
Meanwhile, the designation of catching prospect Diego Cartaya for assignment has raised questions about the team’s depth at catcher. Cartaya was once considered a top-10 prospect in the sport but has struggled with injuries and poor production in recent years.
Overall, the Dodgers’ offseason moves suggest that they are taking a calculated approach to building their roster for 2025. With Hernández and Kim on board, the team is aiming to add more depth and talent to its lineup while addressing some of its key weaknesses.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6036621/2025/01/03/dodgers-still-looking-to-add-after-teoscar-hernandez-hyeseong-kim-signings