A former Seattle Mariners outfielder could be in for a big payday in free agency.

Former Mariners and current Los Angeles Dodgers (and 2024 World Series champion) slugger Teoscar Hernandez is in much better shape this offseason than he was last season.

After the 2023 season, Hernandez’s only year with the Mariners, the team did not extend him a qualifying offer, so he signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers in free agency.

By winning the 2024 All-Star Game Home Run Derby, Hernandez turned that deal into a successful season. He batted .272 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2024. Los Angeles rewarded Hernandez with a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer.

This move brought the old one back Seattle He will turn to outfield safety as he tries to find a longer deal in free agency. And according to a recent report from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Hernandez could find a home with a contender from the American League East.

According to Morosi, the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox have expressed interest in Hernandez, who played the better part of six years in the AL East as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2017-2022.

As reported in Morosi’s tweet on “X” (formerly Twitter), both the Red Sox and Orioles have a similar need for right-hand power.

Hernandez will likely be used as a designated hitter for both teams. Baltimore’s designated hitter/outfielder Anthony Santander, starting in 2024, is a free agent and Boston’s designated hitter/outfielder Masataka Yoshida is left-handed.

Hernandez played one year with the Mariners in 2023, hitting .258 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.

Hernandez is viewed by many as the second-best outfielder in free agency behind superstar Juan Soto. This could result in Hernandez being given a much larger contract than the offer Los Angeles offered him.

Hernandez’s three-year market value is $71.265 million (23.8 million AAV) spotrac.

MARINERS FREE AGENT TARGET PRAISE FOR HIS DEFENSIVE ABILITY: Seattle Mariners potential free agent target Hye-seong Kim has earned praise in her home country for her defensive ability. CLICK HERE

TOP INTERNATIONAL FREE AGENT-LINKED SAILORS: The Seattle Mariners are expected to be busy players when the international signing period begins in January. CLICK HERE

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