When the Braves won the World Series in 2021, fans envisioned the start of a new era of dominance. However, despite having a roster full of stars and MVP-caliber talent, the Braves haven’t made it back to the championship stage. Injuries have been a significant obstacle, sidelining key players and disrupting the team’s chemistry.
The Braves’ front office may pursue big moves in free agency to fuel another deep postseason run. One player on their radar is Teoscar Hernández, an outfielder currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He could be the missing piece they need.
Christopher Kline from FanSided believes the Braves should make a serious bid for Hernández. This past season, he hit a career-high 33 home runs and drove in 99 runs, while maintaining a .272/.339/.501 batting average. His impressive stats and power make him a standout target for any team, and the Dodgers are likely interested in keeping him. But Kline suggests that if the Braves present a strong long-term offer, they might have a chance to bring him to Atlanta.
Spotrac projects that Hernández could secure a three-year deal worth around $71 million in free agency. While it’s a significant investment, it might be exactly what the Braves need to bolster their offense.
It’s not just his performance at the plate that attracts attention—Hernández earned his second career All-Star selection this season, and he led the league in home runs early in the year, showing that his power is reliable. For a team that has battled inconsistency due to injuries to stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II, Hernández could be an ideal fit.
Hernández may not be the strongest outfielder defensively, but he’s capable enough to hold down a corner spot. The Braves wouldn’t necessarily be signing him for his glove; they’d be counting on his bat to inject some much-needed power. If other key hitters struggle or land on the injured list again, Hernández could help keep the offense productive.
The Braves experienced rough patches this season when some of their top players, such as Matt Olson, Michael Harris, and Austin Riley, struggled to maintain their usual performance levels. Kline argues that adding another power hitter like Hernández could provide the boost Atlanta needs.
If the Braves aim to reclaim their position as National League contenders, pursuing Hernández could be a strategic move. His combination of experience and power might be exactly what they need to reignite their championship ambitions.
