In a critical offseason moment for the Toronto Blue Jays, the future of one of their most consistent hitters, Teoscar Hernández, is now in question. As Hernández enters the final stages of his contract negotiations, his demands could become a turning point for both the slugger and the team’s long-term success. These demands give Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins a golden opportunity to right previous wrongs, particularly the controversial trade that sent Hernández to Seattle in 2022.
The Context: Teoscar Hernández’s Importance to the Blue Jays
Teoscar Hernández, a fixture in the Blue Jays’ lineup for the past several seasons, has established himself as one of the team’s most potent offensive weapons. Known for his power and ability to drive in runs, Hernández has been a key figure in the Blue Jays’ attack, posting 25 home runs and 77 RBIs in 2023. His consistent ability to deliver at the plate made him an essential part of the team’s offensive identity.
However, after the Blue Jays dealt Hernández to the Seattle Mariners in the winter of 2022 in exchange for prospects, many fans and analysts began to question the decision. Although the trade seemed to make sense at the time — as Hernández was entering the final year of his contract — the move has come under increasing scrutiny. In hindsight, the Blue Jays could have benefited from retaining Hernández, particularly given their struggles to find a reliable power hitter in the outfield.
Now, with Hernández seeking a new deal, Ross Atkins finds himself at a crossroads. Hernández’s contract demands could force the Blue Jays to make a pivotal decision: should they give in to his financial terms and bring him back, or should they continue with their current roster construction and look for other ways to boost their offensive output?
Hernández’s Expected Contract Demands
Hernández is coming off a solid season with Seattle, and his market value has only grown since the trade. Sources close to the situation report that Hernández is looking for a contract in the range of $20–25 million per year, a figure in line with his offensive production and age (he is 31 years old). While this may seem like a hefty sum, Hernández’s power bat would be a valuable asset to any contending team, particularly one like the Blue Jays, who are in the midst of a championship window with their young core players.
For the Blue Jays, the real question lies in whether they should commit to a long-term deal with Hernández. The team is already facing significant payroll decisions, with key players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer needing contract extensions in the near future. With limited financial flexibility, Atkins and the front office must determine whether paying Hernández a premium price is the best use of resources in a rapidly evolving market.
The Chance to Correct Past Mistakes
Ross Atkins’ decision-making will come under heavy scrutiny, as many feel the Blue Jays’ offense has been missing the type of power presence that Hernández provided. The trade that sent him to Seattle is often cited as one of the more questionable moves of Atkins’ tenure, as Hernández continued to produce at a high level after the deal. In hindsight, the Blue Jays might have been better off keeping him in Toronto, where he would have provided a reliable bat alongside Guerrero Jr. and Bichette.
Hernández’s return to Toronto — provided the contract demands can be met — would represent a chance for Atkins to make things right. By securing the slugger’s services for the long term, the Blue Jays would immediately gain a consistent offensive force. More importantly, it would signal to both fans and the team that the front office is committed to winning in the immediate future.
What Atkins Needs to Do Now
The opportunity to correct past errors is in Atkins’ hands, but he will need to proceed with caution. Here are some critical factors Atkins must consider as he navigates these negotiations:
1. Assessing the Value of Hernández**: The Blue Jays must evaluate whether Hernández’s offensive contributions are worth the expected price tag. His power is undeniable, but they must also consider his age and any potential decline over the course of a long-term deal.
2. Roster Fit and Flexibility**: The Blue Jays’ payroll is set to increase in the coming years as their young core hits arbitration and extension talks. Atkins needs to ensure that adding Hernández doesn’t compromise their ability to extend other key players or address potential weaknesses elsewhere in the lineup.
3. Avoiding Previous Mistakes**: The Blue Jays must resist the temptation to part with Hernández without receiving significant value in return, as they did in the 2022 trade. This means they must avoid trading away a player of his caliber without a concrete plan for replacing his production.
4. Long-Term Outlook**: If the Blue Jays decide to re-sign Hernández, the contract should reflect both his present value and the team’s long-term goals. A deal that balances immediate production with future flexibility would benefit both sides.
The Road Ahead
As the Blue Jays enter this critical offseason, the decision to either bring Hernández back or let him walk will significantly impact the team’s chances in 2024 and beyond. For Ross Atkins, this is a chance to make amends for past mistakes and set the Blue Jays up for success in the near future.
Fans are watching closely, as this negotiation could determine whether the Blue Jays have the offensive firepower to compete at the highest levels of Major League Baseball. Teoscar Hernández’s contract demands represent a crucial moment in the Blue Jays’ history — one that could set the course for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as we await further news on the negotiations and potential moves from Ross Atkins and the Blue Jays.
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