Dodgers Linked to Teoscar Hernandez in Trade Talks

The Los Angeles Dodgers are quietly testing the trade market for veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernández. They’re weighing whether his declining bat and problematic defense still fit a roster built around run prevention, versatility, and long-term financial flexibility.

While a deal seems unlikely right now, the fact they’re listening says plenty about how they value Hernández going forward. It also hints at what kinds of players they’re targeting instead.

Dodgers Weigh the Teoscar Hernández Equation

On paper, Hernández still brings a productive power bat. In reality, the Dodgers are staring at a profile that’s started to fray at the edges—offensively and defensively—just as they’re trying to tighten up their run prevention.

Hernández turned 33 in October. He’s now in the middle of a significant contract, and his future in Los Angeles hangs on whether his remaining strengths can outweigh a growing list of red flags.

Offensive Production Is Slipping, Even With the Power

In 2025, Hernández put up a .247/.284/.454 slash with 25 home runs across 134 games. At first glance, that’s respectable.

But context matters. That line translated to a 102 wRC+, meaning he was only two percent better than league average offensively—his weakest full season since he became a regular in the big leagues.

Some nuanced changes stood out:

Hernández still punishes mistakes and can change a game with one swing. But losing walks while also losing some thump is a tough combination.

The gap between his upside and his baseline production is shrinking, and that’s exactly why the Dodgers are taking a harder look at his value.

Statcast Trends Point to Diminished Bat Speed

Beyond the traditional numbers, the quality of Hernández’s contact has trended in the wrong direction over the last two seasons. Statcast data shows declines in:

For a power-first corner outfielder, this stuff matters. Those metrics tie directly to bat speed and impact, and the downturn suggests age and accumulated wear might be chipping away at the elite thunder that once defined his game.

He can still reach the seats, sure, but the days of bankable middle-of-the-order production seem to be fading.

Defensive Metrics Make the Fit Even Tougher

If Hernández played even average defense, the Dodgers might be more willing to ride out the offensive risk. But nearly every advanced defensive metric labels him a liability in right field.

In 2025, he posted:

That combination is costly on a club that values run prevention as much as any team in baseball. In a big outfield and a postseason environment where every extra base matters, the Dodgers know that sticking with below-average defense in a corner spot has real consequences.

The Contract and Why a Trade Is on the Table

Hernández is in the second year of a three-year, $66 million deal. He’s still owed $33 million over the next two seasons.

That’s a lot for a player whose value is tilting more toward “decent bat, negative glove” than “impact middle-of-the-order force.”

From the Dodgers’ perspective, moving Hernández would be less about giving up on him and more about rebalancing the roster and payroll for what they think wins in October.

Why the Dodgers Consider a Deal Unlikely—But Not Impossible

Even though they’re willing to listen, the Dodgers reportedly see a trade as unlikely right now. There are a few reasons for that:

The fact that discussions are happening at all, though, signals that the front office is actively exploring alternatives that better match their defensive priorities and financial strategy.

Targets That Fit the Dodgers’ New Template

The Dodgers’ reluctance to dive into costly, long-term commitments—evident in their hesitation to chase someone like Kyle Tucker—underscores their approach: stay nimble, avoid massive future liabilities, and prioritize versatile, well-rounded players.

Among the names linked as potential trade or free-agent targets are several who mirror that philosophy:

Steven Kwan and the High-Contact, High-Glove Model

Cleveland’s Steven Kwan is almost the polar opposite of Hernández. He’s a contact machine with elite bat-to-ball skills, a strong defensive reputation, and plus range in the outfield.

For a Dodgers team tired of giving away outs in the field and on the basepaths, a player like Kwan checks nearly every box.

Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Brendan Donovan as Versatility Plays

The Dodgers have also been linked to:

Each of these players offers something Hernández doesn’t: either above-average defense, high contact and OBP, or the sort of versatility that lets the Dodgers mix and match lineups without giving up on run prevention.

What It All Means for the Dodgers’ Outfield Picture

For now, Teoscar Hernández is still a Dodger. There’s a good chance he starts the season in right field, unless the market suddenly shifts and the team gets an offer they can’t ignore.

The fact that the Dodgers are even listening to trade calls says a lot about their plans. They clearly want to shake things up in the outfield.

If another team decides Hernández’s power is worth more than the Dodgers think, Los Angeles could move fast. It’s obvious they’re after better defense and more flexibility in the lineup.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers Have Discussed Teoscar Hernandez In Trade Talks