The Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernández are still trying to work out a deal, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.

Nightengale spoke exclusively with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain on Wednesday at the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas and answered questions regarding the best available bat in free agency.

“I think pursuits have gotten more heavy from other teams, the teams that didn’t get (Juan) Soto.” Nightengale said. “I still think he ends up with the Dodgers, maybe for a little bit more money than the Dodgers originally thought.”

Because of how expensive some of these free-agent contracts are going for, Hernández and his camp might have spiked their asking price, leading to a hold-up.

“I would imagine that Teoscar Hernández would love to get that fourth year instead of making it a three-year, $65, $70 million contract — then it’s a four-year, over $80 million.”

Hernández is looking for stability after signing with the Dodgers for one year before the 2024 season. He’s earned the right to ask for more after setting a new career-high with 33 home runs, winning the Home Run Derby and helping the Dodgers win the World Series.

The Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees have expressed interest in Hernández after all four teams lost Soto to the New York Mets.

On Tuesday, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman addressed the status of Hernández and the next steps for the two sides.

“It’s hard for me to answer,” Friedman said. “He had a really good year. He put himself in a great position and I know he has talked about wanting to and I know that we have talked about him wanting to and he and his family get to go through the interest and figure out what makes the most sense for them. So while we’re hopeful, at the same time, if he ends up signing somewhere else, we have no choice but to wish him well, and on a personal level we’ll be really happy for him and professionally not so much.”

Hernández has been vocal about his desire to return to Los Angeles and the Dodgers would welcome him back with open arms. However, if he goes elsewhere, the Dodgers will pivot without hard feelings.

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

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