December 11th, 2024 at 8:00 am 
by Jesse Pearce * * *
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The Dodgers 2025 roster remains a work-in-progress, as President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and his staff continue with their modus operandi of methodical patience, tough negotiations, and innovative structuring of contracts. So far, the Dodgers have added 32-year-old left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell and 31-year-old lefty-swinging outfielder Michael Conforto, then re-signed 36-year-old right-handed reliever Blake Treinen, as the roster structuring continues.
(Jesse Johnson – USA Today Sports)
So… “What’s next?”
(ESPN)
With left field the likely domain for Michael Conforto’s limited range and arm strength, Tommy Edman the regular centerfielder, and Mookie Betts at shortstop, there is a critical vacancy in right field and the middle of the batting order. Teoscar wants to be a Dodger, the Dodgers want him to be a Dodger, yet there is a reported “gap” in the negotiations. And, that gap may be growing toward a chasm.
The Dodgers aren’t the only team willing to spend money, and those teams (Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies, et al.) that lost out in the Juan Soto sweepstakes may be driving up the price (dollars and years) for Hernández – possibly beyond what Friedman is willing to commit.
If Teoscar signs with another team, “What’s next?”
How many prospects would the Dodgers be willing to trade for soon-to-be (on January 17) 28-year-old Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker – a three-time All-Star, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger winner, and 2022 World Series Champion – who will be a free agent after the 2025 season?
Indeed, “What’s next?”
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Great piece, Jesse (loved the ‘West Wing’ tie in).
Not gonna lie, I believe that Teo will not be re-signed by the Dodgers, this despite his excellend 2024 season and him being an outstanding clubhouse guy. I most certainly wish him well moving forward.
Thanks, and I agree with you that Teoscar is headed to another team.
Say it ain’t so, Joe…..er….uh…Jesse!
It seems clear Teo’s “people’ are telling him he can get more dollars (and possibly more years) now that Soto has been signed to such a huge long contract. I think Teo knows full well he can only ask for so much additional before pricing himself out of the one place he WANTS to be.
I’d completely understand him going for more money – pro careers are terribly short – but I also think he wouldn’t have been so repetitively outspoken about wanting to re-sign with the Dodgers unless he truly liked the organization, the manager, friends in the lock room and living in Los Angeles. All that said, I think he swallows hard and comes back!