Teoscar declines qualifying offer, leaving Dodgers with decision

Outfielder Teoscar Hernández declined the qualifying offer extended to him by the Dodgers on Tuesday, making him a free agent.

Because Hernández declined the offer -- which was worth $21.05 million this season -- the Dodgers will receive a compensation pick in the 2025 MLB Draft if he signs with another team.

Of course, it remains possible Hernández could return to the Dodgers, who have a vacancy in left field. (Then again, they've also been linked with Juan Soto, the market's top free agent, and are reportedly set to meet with the superstar slugger this week.)

“My hopes are really high,” Hernández said earlier this month. “Like I’ve said before, the Dodgers are the priority, obviously. I’m going to do everything in my power to come back.”

The 32-year-old Hernández set a career high with 33 home runs and played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' run to the World Series, recording key hits in all three rounds. Hernández batted .272 with an .840 OPS and was honored as an All-Star, a Silver-Slugger Award winner and named a second-team All-MLB outfielder. In July, he won the Home Run Derby.

Hernández was the only player extended a qualifying offer by the Dodgers. Right-hander Walker Buehler did not receive one. As with Hernández, there are plenty of reasons to believe Buehler could return as well.

Across MLB, 12 of the 13 players who received one ended up declining their qualifying offers. Only Cincinnati's Nick Martinez accepted.