The Toronto Blue Jays head into the offseason with more question marks than certainty after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Multiple core players are inching toward free agency without an extension in sight, numerous holes need to be filled if the team wants to be competitive next year, and there isn’t any clear indication as to who will be leading the front office this winter. The conversation keeps gearing toward contention next season because the core group is still in the picture. Still, multiple roster gaps will need to be spoken for – mostly in the bullpen, an additional catcher, and another outfielder at a minimum.

The crop of players available this winter is gearing up to be stronger than in recent years, with outfielder Juan Soto leading the charge. Soto and the Blue Jays have some very early connections via the rumour mill but if Toronto strikes out and must pivot toward another outfielder, a reunion with a former Blue Jays slugger might be worth exploring.

During the 2022/2023 offseason, the Blue Jays moved Teoscar Hernández to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for reliever Erik Swanson and prospect Adam Macko. Hernández was a year away from free agency and in line for a sizeable pay raise and the Jays needed bullpen help, a role Swanson filled quickly in 2023 (and struggled to find in 2024). Following the deal, Hernández continued to hit for power (26 home runs and 93 RBIs) but saw a dip in OBP and OPS – hitting below .800 for the first time since 2019 and striking out 200+ times for the first time in his career.

Hernández hit free agency without being attached to a qualifying offer this past offseason and landed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth $23.5 million. The Boston Red Sox offered the former Jay a two-year deal worth $28 million but he bet on himself returning to his All-Star form on the one-year pact and is setting himself up for a playoff run with one of the top teams in the league.

With the Dodgers, Hernández has been worth every penny of the deal. The outfielder has suited up in 138 games for L.A. and owns a .266/.331/.488 slash line with 28 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a 130 OPS+. Hernández has also dropped his strikeout rate from what he was putting forward last year – 28.4% vs. 31.1% – and sports a 92nd percentile barrel rate (14.3%) while putting forward a +14 batting run value and 10 stolen bases.

Defensively, Hernández has spent most of the season in left field but has struggled to a -6 DRS with three errors. He has posted better numbers in right field, where he has played mostly since 2021, and owns a +4 DRS through 429 1/3 innings this year with four outfield assists (seven total).

When looking at Hernández, he is a ‘bat first’ type of player who will help any team with his power at the plate and the ability to hit for extra bases. He is a bit of a defensive liability but can hold himself in the corner outfield spots at a suitable level that would bode well if Daulton Varsho plays in centre field and can cover the middle ground.

Outside of Varsho, the Jays are heading into next season with Joey Loperfido, Jonatan Clase, Nathan Lukes, and Steward Berrora in the mix with Davis Schneider and Addison Barger able to slot in as well. Prospect Alan Roden should also be in contention at some point next season but will likely start the year in triple-A.

For the Blue Jays, adding a premier bat with power would go a long way to a club that currently ranks 17th and 22nd in runs and home runs respectively (611 and 148). Having Bo Bichette on the sidelines didn’t help with those values but for a club wanting to contend next season, the front office is going to need to add more firepower alongside Bichette, Guerrero, Varsho, and a fading George Springer.

Per Spotrac, the projected market value for Hernández this offseason is at $24.3 million – a few million over his current deal. Returning to the All-Star game and posting bounce-back numbers should net Hernández a stellar payday and there is a strong chance he could stay with the Dodgers given his output and success in the NL West. Should he reach free agency and be willing to return to Toronto, a reunion with the slugger could be the move to make for the Blue Jays if they miss out on Soto.

Hernández would likely slot into the DH spot with regularity and could play right field in tandem with Springer to give both players adequate rest days while adding some depth to the outfield core and a power bat from the right side. Adding the Dominican product also helps with not throwing Joey Loperfido into an everyday role with Hernández being able to take reps in left field as well, balancing out the lefty vs. righty lineup throughout the week.

The jury is still out on how much the Jays will be willing to spend this offseason and with the recent Bichette interest relating to an extension, if the front office wants to extend multiple players, there is likely going to be less money to play with for free agents – especially those like Soto. Hernández is a solid alternative although with a hefty price tag if he fetches market value but bringing back a former fan favourite who checks quite a few boxes is something the Blue Jays should consider this winter amongst the other internal decisions that need to be addressed.