Dodgers $71 million star could be poached by Giants after they miss on Juan Soto

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, but are at risk of losing key players in free agency. Teoscar Hernández could be targeted by the San Francisco Giants after they have seemingly missed out on Juan Soto.

The Giants are expected to be “legit” suitors for Juan Soto, according to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. However, The Athletic’s Jayson Stark revealed the team does not have a meeting set up with the star like other teams,  contending to sign Soto. FanSided’s Chris Landers suggested that if they are out of the Soto race they should pivot and sign Hernández.

“Okay, so Soto doesn’t want to play in San Francisco,” wrote Landers. “The Giants still could use a big bopper in the middle of the lineup, and they need a corner outfielder. So why not try and get one over on their arch rival while they’re at it?”

Hernández set a career-high with 33 home runs and was a key part of the Dodgers’ World Series run. He was named an All-Star in 2024 as well. Spotrac projects him to sign a three-year, $71 million deal in free agency. While he will be pursued by many teams, his preference is to stay with the Dodgers.

“The Dodgers will be my priority in free agency. I will do whatever is possible to return. It’s not in my hands, but if it were I’d pick them,” said Hernández.

While other teams are locked into trying to sign Soto, the window for the Giants to get Hernández could be wide open. The Giants offense could use the type of bat Hernández brings.

“Hernandez offers middle-of-the-lineup punch without the commitment in both years and dollars that would stretch San Francisco’s budget,” wrote Landers. “If the Giants are the team willing to go above and beyond to land him — and teams like the Yankees and Dodgers are distracted by Soto — Posey could get a deal done and improve his offense exponentially.”