Teoscar Hernandez is on the verge of setting a franchise record

Teoscar Hernandez had a fantastic first season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's already made the National League All-Star team, won the Home Run Derby and secured the second 30-homer season of his career.

However, there is a less desirable franchise record that he could eclipse as early as Tuesday against the San Diego Padres.

Unfortunately, Hernandez has struck out 180 times this season. The record is 181 and was set last year by James Outman.

The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder has quickly become one of the team's most influential players this season, despite the Dodgers investing more than a billion dollars in the offseason on stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow.

Notably, Hernandez was a steal as he joined the team on a one-year deal worth $23.5 million.

Because he is on a one-year deal, Hernandez will become a free agent at the end of the season, but after this extremely productive season and his second MLB All-Star appearance, Hernandez is a strong contender for a contract extension.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today told Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation that he believes Hernández is in line for a big payday in free agency this offseason.

“I don’t see why not, a five-year, $100 million deal,” Nightengale told McKain. “Everyone is looking for guys who can hit and he is one of them. He proved it. Seattle blew it by not making him the qualifying offer. I think the Dodgers are going to put a price on it somehow, just like they did with other guys, whether it's (Corey) Seager or someone else. “We are ready for this. If (the contract demand) is higher, we will look elsewhere.” He fit in well. They love the work he has done. It's hard to find these people. Why don’t you bring him back?”

Hernandez has quickly become a fan favorite in Los Angeles. His easy-going attitude has led to him showering sunflower seeds on home runs and teaching his teammates Spanish.

“I want to stay,” Hernández said of McKain earlier this month. “I think everyone knows. I want to be part of this team for three, four, five more years, but it's out of my hands. It has to do with the Dodgers. It's in their hands. I just try to do my best.”

Hernández has posted an impressive .269/.335/.493 slash line this season, tallying 150 hits, 81 runs, 30 home runs and 92 RBIs. This is his second season with 30 home runs, putting him just two shy of his career high.