Free agent Teoscar Hernández says it’s his “priority” to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers after playing a key role in the team’s 2024 World Series victory.

“My hopes are really high,” Hernández said Friday of his new signing, according to MLB.com. Juan Toribio. “Like I said before, the Dodgers are obviously the priority. I’m going to do everything in my power to get back.”

When asked when he wanted to sign with the Dodgers, Hernández joked, “Hopefully tomorrow.”

“I want us to be here. I want us to be a part of this. I have so many good memories here,” Hernández said. “I’ve learned a lot as a player and as a person. It’s great to be a part of this.”

Hernández joined the Dodgers on a one-year contract worth $23.5 million before the 2024 season. He was coming off a relatively low .258 batting average for the Seattle Mariners the previous season, May -be in part because of T-Mobile Park’s statistical reputation as a player. suitable for launchers place.

Like Shohei Ohtani’s record contract, the deal included $8.5 million in deferred money to be paid through 2039.

Hernández refused other offers in order to accept the deal, including a two-year, $28 million offer from the Boston Red Sox.

That deal paid off as Hernández hit .272 with 33 homers and 99 RBIs in the regular season to earn his second career All-Star title and win the 2024 Home Run Derby before becoming a hero in the Dodgers’ run to the title.

Hernández told reporters as of early October, he and the Dodgers had had no in-season discussions about an extension. It seems more likely this time that those discussions will result in a multi-season deal, although the Dodgers will have to consider other pending free agents, including Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler and Kiké Hernández, before extending an offer.