The trade deadline in Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most exciting and often nerve-wracking times of the season.
It’s when teams that are contending for a playoff spot try to bolster their rosters, while those on the outside looking in might opt to trade away valuable players to rebuild for the future.
One such player whose name surfaced in trade rumors during the 2023 MLB trade deadline was Teoscar Hernández, the talented outfielder who played for the Seattle Mariners at the time.
Hernández had been performing well in Seattle, and many teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, showed interest in acquiring him. However, Hernández famously rejected the Dodgers’ offers, leading to much speculation about why he made that decision.
To understand why Teoscar Hernández rejected the Dodgers’ offers, it’s important to break down the various factors at play: his playing style, his contractual situation, the Dodgers’ needs, and his personal career goals. This decision was influenced not just by baseball-related issues, but also by the player’s broader career vision and his comfort within the Mariners organization.
Background: Teoscar Hernández’s Profile
Teoscar Hernández is a right-handed hitting outfielder who has played in the MLB since 2016, initially with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Seattle Mariners in the 2022 offseason. Known for his power and ability to hit for both average and power, Hernández became one of the more dangerous hitters in the American League. By the time the 2023 MLB trade deadline came around, Hernández was having another solid season, with his bat continuing to make an impact for the Mariners. His combination of power, athleticism, and experience made him a sought-after trade asset.
The Dodgers, a perennial playoff contender, were looking to bolster their outfield and add a proven bat. The team had been dealing with injuries and inconsistent production from some of their outfield players, which led to them actively seeking outfield help. Hernández’s name surfaced in trade rumors, and many expected that he would be a good fit for Los Angeles.
Why the Dodgers Were Interested
The Dodgers’ interest in Hernández was understandable. The team’s outfield had been in flux due to injuries and underperformance, and adding a player with the ability to hit 20-30 home runs annually could have been a significant boost. Hernández had established himself as a reliable power hitter over the past few seasons, with his slugging percentage often ranking among the league’s best.
In 2023, Hernández continued to show that he could provide a solid bat with the ability to drive in runs, something the Dodgers were in need of. Furthermore, Los Angeles had a strong playoff-bound team and were looking to solidify their chances by adding a proven bat to their lineup.
While the Dodgers offered several trade packages, none seemed to fully persuade Hernández to make the move. He ultimately rejected the deal, which raised several questions about his decision-making process.
Teoscar Hernández’s Contract Situation
To understand why Hernández might have rejected the Dodgers’ offers, it’s important to consider his contract situation. As of the 2023 trade deadline, Hernández was on an expiring contract with the Mariners, making him a potential free agent at the end of the season.
Hernández was at a crossroads in his career. As a player who had established himself as a reliable power hitter, the idea of hitting free agency and securing a long-term deal was likely appealing to him. By rejecting the trade to the Dodgers, Hernández could have been signaling that he wanted to retain control over his future and avoid moving to a new team mid-season, especially if that move didn’t align with his long-term plans.
While the Dodgers are an elite franchise with a history of success, Hernández may have felt that he could command a better deal by either staying with Seattle or waiting for other opportunities in free agency. From a business standpoint, rejecting a midseason trade could have allowed him to better evaluate his value in the open market and weigh his options.
Comfort and Familiarity with the Mariners
Another key factor in Hernández’s decision to reject the Dodgers’ offers likely stemmed from his sense of comfort and familiarity with the Mariners. Since joining Seattle in 2022, Hernández had found a place within the organization. He had become an integral part of the team’s offense and had built strong relationships with his teammates and the coaching staff. Trading him to another team midseason could disrupt that comfort, especially when he was performing well in Seattle.
In addition, the Mariners were in the playoff hunt at the time of the trade deadline. Seattle had a strong core of
