For Teoscar Hernández, the weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays felt like a homecoming. The Dodgers All-Star of 2024 was seen laughing with his old teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and embracing Bo Bichette. After admitting he still follows the team closely, Hernández even made a surprising confession that he almost ended up in a different shade of blue this year, as a reunion with Toronto was very close to happening.

Hernandez’s time in Toronto was marked by significant achievements, including an All-Star selection in 2021 and two playoff appearances for the team, solidifying enduring bonds. “I always watch their games because of Vladdy, Bo, (George) Springer and all the guys I played with when I was there,” he said during an interview in the Dodgers dugout. He further added, “I always am going to wish the best for everybody. Hopefully, they can keep going the way they’re going right now.”

The 32-year-old then shared the details of what almost happened: “We actually came really close to a reunion, so I can come back to Toronto.”

While Hernández chose not to elaborate on the specifics, he did indicate that the deal fell through because the Blue Jays had other matters to resolve first. “They were trying to do a couple of things, I’m not going to say what, but they were trying to do a couple things first,” he further stated.

It’s not tough to guess the primary focus for the Blue Jays was to secure the cornerstone first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They had to make sure Guerrero signed a long-term deal before they could spend elsewhere. And, Hernández couldn’t afford to wait while the complicated contract negotiations were still ongoing. He eventually signed his 3-year, $66 million deal with the Dodgers on January 3rd.

Guerrero’s extension, on the other hand, didn’t get finalized until April 7th. So, things didn’t align. Hernández was, however, happy for his friend, as he remarked, “I don’t think about Toronto without Vladdy. He’s like an iconic person there.”

While the Blue Jays reunion remains a fascinating “what if,” Hernández’s journey since leaving Toronto has been a whirlwind of success.

Teo Hernandez’s journey after the Blue Jays

After Hernández was traded, he spent the rest of 2023 with the Seattle Mariners. It was a challenging year for the slugger. He hit 26 home runs, but his overall numbers dipped in the more challenging, pitcher-friendly home park. Then, rather than accepting a less valuable long-term contract, he strategically opted for a one-year ‘prove-it’ deal with the Dodgers for $23.5 million. He was banking on himself to restore his market value. It was a calculated risk, but one with spectacularly lucrative rewards.

The move was completely vindicated in 2024 as Hernández had a career-defining season. Alongside a roster of superstars, he hit a career-high 33 home runs, won the World Series, was named an All-Star, won a Silver Slugger, and made history as the first Dodger to win the Home Run Derby. This remarkable success confirmed his 2023 performance dip was an aberration.

Now in 2025, Hernández continues as a key player for the defending champions. So far this season, he has notched 18 homers, 69 RBIs, and his 1,000th career hit. Despite minor injuries, his impact has been so significant that manager Dave Roberts has coined the term “Teoscar tax” to describe the challenge he poses to opposing pitchers.

Given his returns for the Dodgers, do you think the Blue Jays made the wrong call by not re-signing Hernández? Let us know in the comments below!