The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 championship defense might have looked very different had Teoscar Hernández chosen another path this past offseason. The All-Star right fielder, fresh off a World Series title and a career-defining year in L.A., found himself weighing a tempting opportunity to return to a familiar home — the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hernández, who joined the Dodgers in January 2024 and immediately became a key part of their title run, entered free agency with significant interest from multiple contenders. His former club in Toronto emerged as one of the most aggressive suitors, mounting a genuine challenge to bring him back to Rogers Centre.
“We actually came really close to a reunion so I can come back to Toronto,” Hernández told Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. “They were trying to do a couple of things… it was really close.”
Teoscar Hernandez Nearly Left Dodgers For Blue Jays: ‘It Was Really Close’
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Those “couple of things” likely included roster and payroll considerations tied to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future. Hernández, who worked out with Guerrero during the winter, admitted he was a strong advocate for his close friend to secure a long-term deal in Toronto. “If you feel good over there… your family, everything in that city and country, so try to make it work,” Hernández said. “I don’t think about Toronto without Vladdy. He’s like an iconic person there… the right guy to be a Blue Jay for life.”
The connection between Hernández and the Blue Jays runs deep. Acquired in 2017 from Houston for veteran pitcher Francisco Liriano, Hernández spent six seasons in Toronto, developing from a raw power bat into a two-time Silver Slugger and an All-Star. His breakout 2020 campaign (.919 OPS) was followed by consecutive 25+ home run seasons, helping the Blue Jays return to the postseason. Even after being traded to Seattle in 2023, his ties to Toronto never faded.
Yet sentiment wasn’t enough to tip the scales this winter. The Dodgers ultimately re-signed Hernández to a three-year, $66 million deal, with club options for 2028 and 2029. The Blue Jays, after missing out, shifted their focus to Anthony Santander, whose $92.5 million contract has been hampered by injury and limited production.
In Los Angeles, Hernández has endured some inconsistencies this year. Manager Dave Roberts recently sat him ahead of a key series, noting, “He’s certainly been battling some mechanical [issues]… I think today is a good day for him to use as a work day. We’re gonna need him.”
Despite the recent lull, Hernández’s value remains clear. Through his first 33 games of 2025, he was hitting .315 with nine home runs, offering the kind of power surge that Toronto’s early-season offense sorely lacked.
Hernández still keeps close tabs on his old teammates and hasn’t ruled out a future October meeting. “I always watch [Blue Jays] games… Hopefully we can meet in the World Series. That would be awesome,” he said.
For now, the reunion that almost was remains a what-if — one that could have reshaped the fortunes of two playoff-bound clubs.