The recent weekend baseball series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers featured intense competition, ultimately ending with the Blue Jays taking the final game after Los Angeles left 16 runners stranded. During the series, Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who previously spent six seasons with Toronto, discussed his near return to the Blue Jays this offseason, while praising Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as an enduring symbol of the team’s future.
Although the Blue Jays and Dodgers maintain a competitive rivalry on the field, Hernandez experienced a warm reunion with his former Blue Jays teammates during the three-game series. In an exclusive interview with Sportsnet, Hernandez revealed that a potential contract with Toronto nearly materialized earlier this year when he was a free agent.
“We actually came really close to a reunion so I can come back to Toronto,”
said Hernandez.
“They were trying to do a couple of things, I’m not going to say what, but they were trying to do a couple things first. And they said if this worked out, we could get together, we could sit down and talk about a contract. So, yes, it was really close.”
—Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers outfielder
Hernandez shared a strong connection with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during his time in Toronto, and their relationship seems to have influenced the discussions around his contract. Meanwhile, Hernandez eventually signed a three-year, $66 million deal with the Dodgers, while Vladimir secured a massive 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays, affirming his role as the franchise’s cornerstone.
“I don’t think about Toronto without Vladdy. He’s like an iconic person there. He’s obviously from Canada, he’s the right guy to be a Blue Jay for life. It’s great.
I’m happy for him, for the team, for the city, the fans. The fans love Vladdy, so they deserve to have him there for all his career. It was great. So happy for him,”
Hernandez added about Guerrero’s contract extension.
—Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers outfielder
Teoscar Hernandez reflects on championship mindset and future goals
Hernandez also expressed the strong sense of confidence his current team carries after winning the previous World Series. He emphasized how the experience of playing in pivotal moments fuels his motivation to perform at his best as the Dodgers pursue another title.
“Especially because you’re going through so many big moments,”
Hernandez said.
“It gives you confidence, energy and everything you need to focus on trying to perform the best way you can just to help the team.
Winning a championship is one of the best things for any athlete. I enjoyed it — you know me, I enjoy this game, especially when it matters the most — we were hungry and we came back this year trying to make it back to the World Series.”
—Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers outfielder
This season, Hernandez has contributed solidly with a batting average of .254, adding 18 home runs and 69 RBIs to the Dodgers’ lineup, highlighting his ongoing value as a key player.
The dynamic between Hernandez and Guerrero underscores the evolving landscape of the Blue Jays and Dodgers, two teams closely linked by talent and competition. While Hernandez’s anticipated return to Toronto did not materialize, his respect for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a lasting Blue Jays figure remains clear. As the season progresses, Hernandez aims to channel the perseverance and passion fostered by his past and present experiences to help lead the Dodgers back to championship glory.