The Atlanta Braves are already dialing in on the 2025 season, and from the looks of it, they’re not holding back. The Braves seem poised to make moves that could set them up for another big year. They are determined to boost their lineup and willing to push payroll a bit higher. One player generating a lot of buzz around the Braves’ camp is veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
Fox Sports recently put out its list of the top 30 free agents, and Hernandez, fresh off a career revival, could be the big bat the Braves need. After a rocky 2023 season with the Seattle Mariners, the 32-year-old turned it around in a major way with the Dodgers in 2024, posting one of his best seasons to date.
Hernandez put up an impressive .272/.339/.501 line, smashing a career-high 33 home runs, driving in 99 RBIs. He also landed his second All-Star nod. The 2024 season was an exclamation point for Hernandez. He stole the show by winning the Home Run Derby and stepped up in the World Series.
The postseason only added to Hernandez’s appeal. His World Series stats were stellar, slashing .350/.381/.550. He also hit a clutch two-run homer in Game 2 that helped the Dodgers secure an early series lead against the Yankees. That performance underscored just how valuable Hernandez can be in high-stakes moments.
Now, after completing a one-year, $23.5 million “prove-it” deal, Hernandez is in line for a substantial payday, and according to Fox Sports’ Rowan Kavner, he’s likely to cash in, whether it’s with the Dodgers or a new team. After his all-star resurgence in L.A., Kavner speculates that Hernandez could stick with the Dodgers, but he points to Atlanta as a real potential landing spot.
The Braves still have an opening in left field. With Ronald Acuña Jr. in right field and Michael Harris II holding down center field, left field remains slightly unsettled. Atlanta’s current options are mostly depth pieces, leaving room for an upgrade like Hernandez.
Financially, this move wouldn’t be out of reach for the Braves. Spotrac projects Hernandez’s market value around $23.8 million annually, and he’s expected to command a three-year deal worth approximately $71.26 million. This could be an ideal investment for a player in his prime to lock in consistent power at the plate and strong outfield performance.
The Braves have even made recent moves to give themselves financial flexibility heading into 2025. By restructuring deals and acquiring players like Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez, they’ve managed to open up salary room. They could direct that room toward a power hitter like Hernandez.
While adding Hernandez might not make headlines as a groundbreaking acquisition, he’d bring depth and consistent power to a team with its eyes on another deep playoff run. For the Braves, who’ve seen plenty of success with a star-studded roster, filling their left-field gap with an experienced, big-hitting outfielder might be just what they need to take their offense—and their season—to the next level.
