Teoscar Hernández Shakes Up the Market $66 Million Deal Sets the Stage for the Fierce Race Among Top Corner Outfielders

Teoscar Hernández has set the market for top corner outfield bats this offseason with his recent three-year, $66 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Coming off a World Series victory with the Dodgers and an impressive 2024 season, Hernández secured the long-term contract he was seeking. But his signing isn’t just a win for Hernández—it significantly impacts the free agent market for other big-name outfielders, notably Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar.

Hernández’s Impact: Shifting the Free Agent Landscape

Hernández’s new deal shapes the future for corner outfielders still on the market. With an average annual value (AAV) of $22 million, his contract has set a precedent. This deal isn’t just about money, though—Hernández’s signing offers a blueprint for outfielders like Santander and Profar, whose free agency could be influenced by his terms. By breaking down their stats, we see the battle for similar contracts heating up.

Comparing the Powerhouses: Santander’s Power vs. Hernández’s Consistency

Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles has posted an impressive 2024 season, hitting 44 home runs, the fourth-most in MLB. His ISO of .271—ranking among the best in baseball—puts him in rare company, trailing only Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto. While Santander outslugged Hernández in power, the latter compensated with a higher batting average and on-base percentage. As Hernández’s deal lands, Santander’s contract talks are bound to mirror similar terms, with an AAV near $22 million. However, Santander’s younger age and potential for a longer-term contract could be the key differences.

The Santander Equation: What’s Next for the Slugger?

At 30, Santander is two years younger than Hernández, a major advantage in securing a longer contract. With a solid qualifying offer from the Orioles, Santander will need to weigh the draft-pick penalties teams face when signing him. Despite this, Santander’s consistency—posting a wRC+ above 118 in four of the last five seasons—positions him for a lucrative contract, likely in the range of Hernández’s deal but potentially extended with an extra year or two.

Jurickson Profar: The Wild Card in the Corner Outfielder Market

Perhaps the most intriguing name on the free-agent market is Jurickson Profar. His 2024 breakout campaign saw him put up career-high numbers, but Profar’s age (31) and past inconsistency make him a gamble for teams looking for long-term stability. Unlike Santander and Hernández, Profar’s contract might hinge on one-year deals or a short-term commitment. Profar’s 2024 fWAR of 4.3 was a full win better than Santander’s and 0.8 higher than Hernández’s, showcasing his value—especially in on-base skills. However, his track record leaves teams cautious about committing to multi-year deals.

Profar’s Future: The One-Year Gamble

Unlike Santander, Profar was not extended a qualifying offer by the San Diego Padres, meaning teams won’t face a draft pick penalty when signing him. Profar’s 2024 season was a career-best, but with only one solid year under his belt, he may need to settle for a one-year deal similar to the $23.5 million deal Hernández took in 2023. Teams may be hesitant to offer a long-term contract due to his age and limited historical success, but a short-term, high-AAV deal could be the sweet spot for Profar this winter.

The Market’s Next Move: Where Do They Land?

The 2025 offseason is shaping up to be pivotal for outfielders like Santander and Profar. With Hernández’s $66 million deal influencing their future contracts, these players will be hoping for deals that replicate his success. The question remains: Will Santander get the extra years, or will Profar settle for a short-term option? As teams weigh their options, market dynamics will continue to shift, with Hernández’s deal setting the standard for the next wave of corner outfield signings.

Bold Predictions for the 2025 Free Agent Outfielders

As free agency continues, eyes will be on Santander and Profar to see how their deals compare to Teoscar Hernández’s. Will Santander’s power push him to a longer contract? Can Profar prove his breakout year wasn’t a fluke? The race for corner outfielders is heating up, and big-money deals are just around the corner. Stay tuned—2025 free agency is bound to bring explosive results for these top players!