$66 Million Mistake? Why Teoscar Hernández Could Be The Dodgers’ Biggest Bust Of 2025!

The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into the 2025 MLB season as the team to beat. Fresh off their eighth World Series title, they have reinforced their already-stacked roster with elite talent. Their aggressive moves in the offseason have created a massive gap between them and the rest of the league, solidifying their place as one of baseball’s most dominant franchises.

However, despite their success, one controversial signing has sparked debate—Teoscar Hernández’s three-year, $66 million contract. While some fans see it as a reward for his stellar 2024 season, others fear it could be one of the biggest mistakes in MLB history.

Did the Dodgers just make a brilliant move or set themselves up for a massive failure?

From Uncertainty to October Hero: The Rise of Teoscar Hernández

Just a year ago, Teoscar Hernández’s career was at a crossroads. After an underwhelming 2023 season with the Seattle Mariners, where his offensive production dipped, he struggled to land a long-term contract. Instead of securing a multi-year deal, Hernández had to settle for a one-year, “prove it” contract with the Dodgers in 2024.

And prove it, he did.

33 home runs—a career high, showing his true power at the plate
4.3 WAR: The most impactful season of his career
350 batting average in the World Series A key contributor in the Dodgers’ championship run

With these incredible numbers, Hernández played himself into a massive payday. The Dodgers rewarded him with a three-year, $66 million contract, believing he would remain a key part of their championship core.

But was his 2024 success an outlier, or can he sustain that level of performance?

Red Flags: Is a Decline Coming?

While Hernández’s 2024 season was undeniably impressive, there are warning signs that could indicate a downward trend in his production.

Hard-hit rate dropped from 49.4% to 46.8%—a subtle but notable decline in his power-hitting ability.
Exit velocity decreased: from 91.3 mph to 90.6 mph—suggesting he might not be making as solid of contact as before.
High strikeout rate: He has always had a tendency to strike out a lot, but if his power numbers start to fade, this weakness will become even more glaring.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has already raised concerns, predicting that Hernández will be one of MLB’s biggest disappointments in 2025.

With these statistical red flags, the question is clear: Did the Dodgers just sign a declining player to a long-term contract?

A History of Bad Contracts in Baseball

MLB has seen plenty of expensive contracts go horribly wrong. Some of the league’s worst deals involved teams betting big on a player who simply couldn’t sustain their peak performance.

Jason Heyward, $184 million, Chicago Cubs (2016-2023)

He signed after a strong season with the St. Louis Cardinals, but his offensive numbers declined rapidly.
Despite elite defense, his lack of power and inconsistency at the plate made his contract one of the worst in Cubs history.

Chris Davis, $161 million, Baltimore Orioles (2016-2022)

A power-hitting slugger who fell apart after signing his deal.
His production collapsed, leading to one of the biggest financial disasters in MLB history.

The Dodgers are hoping that Hernández doesn’t follow in their footsteps. But if his production declines, this contract could become an anchor weighing down the franchise.

What Are Dodgers Fans Saying?

The Dodgers fanbase is deeply divided over this signing!

Optimists believe:

Hernández has already proven himself and will continue to be a force in the lineup.
With Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman, he will have plenty of protection in the batting order.
Dodger Stadium suits his hitting style, and he’ll keep delivering big moments.

Skeptics argue:

His hard-hit rate and exit velocity are declining, which could be a sign of future struggles.
If his power numbers drop, his high strikeout rate will become a bigger liability.
Did the Dodgers really need to sign him for three years, or was this an emotional overpay after a hot playoff run?

With opinions split, only time will tell if this move was a championship-winning decision or a financial disaster.

What Happens If Hernández Underperforms?

If Teoscar Hernández fails to live up to his contract, what options do the Dodgers have?

Backup Plans: The Dodgers have some outfield depth with James Outman, Jason Heyward, and potential trade deadline acquisitions. If Hernández struggles, they may adjust their lineup to limit his role.

Trade possibility: If his bat slows down, the Dodgers might look to offload his contract. However, moving a $66 million deal for an underperforming veteran won’t be easy.

A Massive Gamble: By investing in Hernandez for three years, the Dodgers are taking a significant financial risk. If he declines, they’ll be paying for past performance instead of future production.

The pressure is on: Can Hernández handle the spotlight?

Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers means facing intense pressure every single game. The expectations are sky-high, and any slump will be magnified under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium. Can Hernández thrive under this pressure, or will the weight of his $66 million contract break him?