Los Angeles Dodgers are in great form despite a bad run after their excellent 8-0 start to the season. However, they were on the verge of losing four games in a row this week, but returned to winning ways thanks to their star outfielder, Teoscar Hernandez, who finally lived up to the hype and hit the game-winning home run. But how did the Dominican player’s arrival in MLB come about?
The hero of several battles for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Teoscar Hernandez, was about to quit baseball before reaching the Major Leagues. From a young age, he showed interest in baseball and in his teens he traveled to the United States to try out for MLB teams, but was rejected by scouts who doubted his speed and power. Between the ages of 15 and 18, he participated in more than 100 tryouts without getting a contract, which generated immense frustration.
Teoscar Hernandez’s arrival in Major League Baseball
The Dominican says that until the end of 2010, at 18 years of age, the thirty MLB teams showed no interest in him. However, Teoscar Hernandez finally caught the attention of the Houston Astros in 2011 and received a $20,000 signing bonus, but was sent to the minor leagues to hone his skills, where he proved to have potential, but did not catch the attention of managers in at least five seasons.
It was not until 2016 that Hernandez made his MLB debut with the Astros franchise, although with very little participation. The following year he was sent to the Toronto Blue Jays where Hernandez began to shine, gradually establishing himself as a formidable outfielder and power hitter. He was later traded to the Seattle Mariners with a discreet participation, but at least he had continuity within the Major Leagues.
The perfect moment for Teoscar Hernandez with the Los Angeles Dodgers
With eight seasons in MLB and 12 in the baseball circuits in the United States, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to sign him in 2024. It was an important move given that the Los Angeles team had constant participation in the playoffs with some appearances in the World Series and in 2020 they lifted the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Teoscar Hernandez had a good run with the bat, hitting 33 home runs and 99 RBIs, with a .272 average, which indicated effectiveness when swinging and his ability to change the course of the game. Recognizing his value, the Dodgers secured his talent with a three-year, $66 million contract extension, which was the right decision and is reflected in the way Hernandez has performed with the reigning MLB champions.
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