Dodgers face tough Teoscar Hernández decision as trade demand boils over

LAS VEGAS –– The Dodgers have made a habit over the years of capitalizing on market inefficiencies during MLB’s offseason.

And this winter, they have the kind of commodity that could be in short supply elsewhere.

Just like last year, there is high demand around the league for cost-effective right-handed-hitting outfielders, but precious few impact options available in free agency.

Thus, just like last year, the team is expected to field trade interest in veteran slugger Teoscar Hernández, who is entering the final guaranteed season of his contract with just over $20 million left due on his deal.

Trade speculation, of course, is nothing new for the two-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger. After the 2022 season, he was dealt from Toronto to Seattle ahead of his final year before free agency. Last winter, he was shopped again by the Dodgers during another offseason in which right-handed outfield bats were hard to find.

The Dodgers ultimately retained Hernández for the 2026 season, sticking with the 34-year-old fan favorite and clubhouse leader following his clutch contributions to their back-to-back World Series titles.

But now, the chances of a trade materializing feel much more legitimate –– thanks to Hernández’s contract status (which includes only a $15 million club option beyond 2027), the emergence of rookie sensation Josue De Paula (who could possibly succeed him as the Dodgers’ left fielder of the future), and the Dodgers’ general need to begin turning over an aging core.

“As far as due diligence, we’ll always listen,” general manager Brandon Gomes said during the league’s annual GM Meetings on Tuesday, when asked if the Dodgers would explore trading in-demand pieces from their current MLB roster (that group could also include Alex Call, another right-handed-hitting outfielder who was squeezed out of playing time in the second half last year).

However, Gomes also made clear that a trade is no fait accompli.

“We feel really good about our team as is,” he insisted, “and certainly don’t feel compelled to do anything along those lines.”

Indeed, for all the speculation that has already begun to swirl around Hernández this winter, it’s far from a guarantee he will be playing elsewhere in 2027.

While he remains an intriguing trade chip for the Dodgers to consider, there are also plenty of reasons to bring him back for a fourth season with the club.

The main one has to do with De Paula. For all the potential the uber-talented 21-year-old prospect flashed at the plate in his late-season call-up with the Dodgers, his ability to man the outfield defensively remains a serious question mark.

That’s why the Dodgers haven’t committed to playing De Paula regularly in left field next year.

Long term, they are still bullish on his ability to eventually develop into at least a passable option at the big-league level (so much so, Gomes said there hasn’t been any consideration of moving him to another position, such as first base, up to this point). 

But unless he makes drastic strides this offseason –– when he is expected to work with former MLB outfielders Alex Ochoa and Jackie Bradley Jr. during MLB’s lockout –– the Dodgers are unlikely to feel comfortable entering the campaign with him as their primary left field option.

That wouldn’t necessarily stop the Dodgers from still trading Hernández, especially if they found a team willing to take on his remaining salary (which could free up some payroll for other offseason pursuits, such as Tarik Skubal) or send back young prospects in return (in a move that could further strengthen their already highly-ranked farm system).

They could always redistribute more of utilityman Tommy Edman’s playing time from second base to the outfield, and find other ways this winter to bolster their depth on the infield dirt (where they are already looking to replace the newly retired Miguel Rojas).

Still, Hernández provides value in other ways too. Over the last three postseasons, he has led the club in playoff RBIs (28) and trails only Shohei Ohtani for October home runs (nine). Last year, he overcame a midseason slump following a hamstring injury to finish the campaign as one of the club’s hottest hitters over the final month (posting an above-league-average .267/.334/.425 slash line on the year overall).

Behind the scenes, he also remains an important mentor to some of the roster’s younger talent, most notably Andy Pages, but also De Paula himself late last year.

Thus, while it would be no surprise to see the Dodgers trade Hernández this winter, it might not be a shock if they kept him around for the final guaranteed season of his contract either.

“We feel really good about the core of this team, what our guys have done, and even looking forward coming in, knowing guys are hungry after the way things ended [last year],” Gomes reiterated. “So, as far as due diligence, sure. But actively looking to do anything, we feel really good about this group.”