An MLB expert suggested that while the Dodgers may not bring back Walker Buehler in free agency, they are likely to focus on re-signing Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers had previously extended a qualifying offer worth $21.05 million to Hernández, which he declined, but an insider believes they will make another push to keep him. While the Dodgers are expected to pursue major targets like Juan Soto, the insider noted that signing Hernández could be a more practical and less risky move.

Hernández was a valuable contributor for the Dodgers last season, and with the team looking to strengthen its outfield, bringing him back could provide a reliable power bat. With other high-profile options uncertain, re-signing Hernández might be a safer bet for the Dodgers as they build for 2024. Ken Rosenthal recently on Foul Territory also pointed out that signing Blake Snell, or a pitcher of his caliber, was a much bigger need for the Dodgers.

They’ve now addressed that. With the rotation strengthened, the team can turn its attention to other areas, including re-signing Teoscar Hernández. Rosenthal highlighted that Hernández was a great contributor for the Dodgers last season, and bringing him back would add a reliable power bat to an already loaded roster.  

The recent signing of Blake Snell has strengthened what was already shaping up to be an elite rotation for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, which now includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and the highly anticipated addition of Shohei Ohtani to the mound. However, the Dodgers are not done yet, as they are still eyeing further upgrades to their pitching staff, with Clayton Kershaw potentially returning to the fold. The team is actively seeking at least one more arm.

Chances of Clayton Kershaw returning to the Dodgers 

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw declined his $10 million player option with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has now become a free agent. The move was confirmed by the MLB Players Association in a statement recently. It opens the door for Kershaw to explore his options on the market. However, despite testing free agency, Kershaw is still widely expected to re-sign with the Dodgers. The Dodgers are the only major team he has played for during his 17-year career. 

The decision to opt-out is likely a strategic move, allowing Kershaw to negotiate a new deal. It is possible that the new contract will have more favorable terms or length. The Los Angeles Dodgers made some key moves by exercising options for infielder Miguel Rojas and catcher Austin Barnes, solidifying their roster for next season. Rojas, who just wrapped up one of the best seasons of his 11-year career, batted .283 with six home runs and 36 RBIs. 

Meanwhile, Barnes, the second-longest tenured Dodger behind Clayton Kershaw, continues to provide stability behind the plate. Like Rojas and Barnes, Kershaw is a key figure in the Dodgers’ longstanding success. Despite his free-agent status, the team’s commitment to retaining veteran leaders seems clear. His relationship with the Dodgers front office and his legacy in Los Angeles make him a likely candidate to resign.