The Dodgers projected to acquire the $105 million All-Star to replace Teoscar Hernández

The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t quite get the last Christmas present they were hoping for.

Of course, it’s hard to find much to complain about when you’re the defending World Series champions. But the holiday would have been much more cheerful if left fielder Teoscar Hernández had re-signed with the Dodgers on a multi-year contract.

Although both the Dodgers and Hernández want to work things out, the two sides are still far apart. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported last week that the slugger is seeking an annual salary of $22-24 million, which the Dodgers have so far balked at taking on.

If Hernández leaves, the Dodgers don’t necessarily need to find another corner outfielder, as they just signed Michael Conforto to a one-year contract. But they’re still the Dodgers, and if the price is right for another All-Star free agent, LA might just bite.

In a recent YouTube videoMLB analyst Jim Riley predicted the Dodgers would sign Anthony Santander, the All-Star right fielder for the Baltimore Orioles who hit a career-high 44 home runs in 2024.

“What if Santander hasn’t signed because he knows that if Teoscar and the Dodgers can’t figure this out, it’s me?” Riley said. “I’m getting more money and more years from the Dodgers?”

“I’ll take Anthony Santander to the Dodgers as… a pivot from this Teoscar Hernández negotiation.”

Santander, 30, had a stellar season for the Orioles, setting career highs in home runs, RBI, slugging percentage and OPS+ (not counting the shortened 2020 season). He’s also a switch hitter, which could help the Dodgers avoid a split situation in the outfield.

Athletics projects Santander for a $105 million contract, but there is no indication yet that a team is willing to pay that figure. If Santander’s price tag drops below Hernández, there’s no reason the Dodgers couldn’t consider signing him and save a few bucks.

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