PHOENIX — Leading up to his time at Camelback Ranch, Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez dedicated his days to a training facility in Tampa, where he engaged in rigorous plyometric workouts to reshape his physique.
His former Toronto Blue Jays teammate and 2025 World Series competitor, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., was also at the same facility.
Guerrero recently shared a transformation post on Instagram, showcasing impressive before and after shots. Hernandez had his moment to display his own transformation during the Dodgers’ first full spring training practice this Tuesday.
Hernandez reported losing 12 pounds during the offseason, attributing part of his success to Guerrero’s influence.
“He’s clearly focused on helping his team win the World Series,” Hernandez commented in Spanish. “I have the same goal.”
The two have trained together for the last four offseasons.
“We push each other,” Hernandez explained. “Training is more enjoyable when you have someone you’re comfortable with.”
Others joining them at the facility include Junior Caminero from the Tampa Bay Rays, Adris Garcia from the Philadelphia Phillies, and Randy Arozarena from the Seattle Mariners.
For Hernandez, his motivation to improve wasn’t just about catching up to his peers but more about avoiding another frustrating season marred by injuries. He wants to extend his career beyond his current two-year contract and hopes to secure a Gold Glove award.
Interestingly, last season was tough for Hernandez. He totaled 25 home runs and 89 RBIs over 134 games, but his batting average only reached .247. He dealt with responsibilities as a right fielder, a position that posed its own challenges.
The source of his struggles was clear—a torn groin muscle he suffered in May. Although he missed just 12 games, the impact lingered into the regular season and playoffs.
“I didn’t fully recover,” he remarked, noting that this affected both his offense and defense.
After the World Series, he took two months off, recognizing his body needed rest.
During that downtime, he began to lose weight, not through diet changes, but by managing portion sizes. He didn’t want a repeat of last season.
“I hate missing games,” he expressed. “I love being on the field.”
Hernandez, who typically weighed around 204 or 205 pounds, mentioned feeling unwell last year but now feels back to normal.
Under contract with the Dodgers through the 2027 season, he aims to extend his career by at least one more year.
He has a solid resume—a two-time All-Star, two-time World Series Champion, and three-time Silver Slugger Award recipient. Yet, he sets his sights on winning a Gold Glove before hanging up his cleats.
Andrew Friedman, the President of Baseball Operations, noted his optimism about Hernandez’s commitment, especially after a challenging game against Colorado last August where Hernandez made critical plays.
“We’ve discussed things, and his level of engagement seems to have really improved,” Friedman remarked. “His performance remained strong. The fact that he’s committed to his goals could make a significant difference.”
For this season, Hernandez will shift back to left field, taking over for rookie Kyle Tucker in right. However, he expressed that he isn’t worried. He just wants to contribute and be out on the field daily.
Hernandez also wishes to stay with the team amid whispers of potential trades this winter.
“I’ve been traded twice before,” he said. “I’ve never experienced being on a winning team. It’s great to be part of a winning culture. Naturally, I want to stay, but if they believe they can improve the team, they might trade me. It’s a business at the end of the day.”
Hernandez is committed to showing the Dodgers that keeping him could be beneficial, urging them to envision a future where he enhances the team’s prospects.
