Upcoming Dodgers free agent makes it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles

Teoscar Hernandez wasted no time making his intentions to become a free agent clear following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dramatic 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the tournament. World Series.

Shortly after winning his first championship, Hernandez expressed a strong desire to remain in Los Angeles, the city and team he quickly came to call home.

The Dodgers will be my priority in free agency. I’ll do my best to come back. It’s not in my hands, but if they were, I would choose them,” Hernandez said in a candid interview with ESPN Deportes.

Hernandez’s path to becoming World Series The championship was long and winding.

After breaking into the major leagues in 2018, he showed early potential as a power hitter and earned two Silver Slugger awards in his first few seasons. Despite his individual success, postseason victories had always eluded him—until this year.

Ironically, Hernandez technically owns another World Series ring after his short stint with the Houston Astros in 2017. Called up for one game that season before an injury sent him back to the minors, Hernandez did not play in the postseason despite being a former teammate. Jose Altuve advocated for him to get a ring.

But this year’s accomplishment has a deeper meaning, especially given the unity he feels with the Dodgers.

“Just a squad,” he said after Game 5. “We are all in this together. As I always say, we don’t think about individual things. We just go out there, prepare, get ready to go out there and find a way to win that night.”

Hernandez’s one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers was a defining move in his career. He hit 33 home runs that season, was selected to the All-Star team, and made history as the first Dodger to win the Home Run Derby. His defensive contributions are equally remarkable; He led American League outfielders in assists last season and has consistently ranked among the league’s best defensive players.

Looking through the next chapter, Hernandez is clear about his preferences. After a career year and a World Series title, he’s looking forward to a future that will keep him in Dodger blue for years to come.