Teoscar Hernandez Trimmed, Seeks Bounce-Back Season with Dodgers

This article breaks down Teoscar Hernández’s uneven 2025 season with the Dodgers, the offseason work that followed, and what those moves say about his role as a veteran bat and clubhouse leader in a championship organization.

Season in Review: A Down Year and a Multiyear Commitment

In 2024, Teoscar Hernández helped spark a Dodgers resurgence and chase a World Series title. He earned a lucrative multiyear contract after that run.

By 2025, the momentum faded. He battled extra weight, a lingering groin issue, and a dip in his offensive production.

The season really showed how aging power hitters can hit a wall. Still, the Dodgers paid for leadership and postseason experience, even when the numbers didn’t shine.

The club heard trade rumors as Hernández’s defense and bat slipped. LA kept him anyway, valuing his clubhouse presence and his steady postseason output—he delivered five home runs during their October run.

The front office described the decision as a blend of current value and future clubhouse impact, not just a stats move. Hernández said he wanted to stay, understood the business side, and focused on helping when it mattered.

Trade Talks, Postseason Production, and Clubhouse Value

Late in the season, executives from other teams called about Hernández. They hoped a new environment might unlock his power again.

The Dodgers considered those offers but chose to keep him. They called his leadership and postseason punch essential for a roster built on versatility and clutch moments.

It says something about how the Dodgers operate. They don’t just chase on-base percentage or slugging—they care about the intangibles that help a team stick together and win in October.

• Multiple teams contacted the Dodgers about Hernández at the trade deadline.
• He delivered five home runs in the postseason, reinforcing his reputation as a postseason contributor.
• The Dodgers prioritized leadership and chemistry over a potential financial savings from a wholesale roster move.
• Management publicly emphasized his impact beyond the box score.
• Hernández outwardly accepted the business realities while remaining focused on contributing to the team’s goals.

Offseason Reset: Weight, Health, and a Clear Plan

After the 2024 champion season, Hernández spent his winter in the Dominican Republic. He focused on cleaning up his diet and dropping weight.

He came back about 10 pounds lighter, down to a familiar 204 pounds. He said he felt healthier and moved better.

The long 2024 season wore him down, and the fatigue led to that groin problem. He planned to fix those issues with a more disciplined offseason routine.

• Offseason improvements centered on diet and conditioning in the Dominican Republic.
• Weight loss aimed to restore mobility and reduce strain on his groin.
• Return to a healthier playing weight; improved confidence about conditioning for the 2026 season.
• Belief that the injury trouble was a temporary setback rather than a structural concern.

Defense, Position Change, and the Tucker Factor

Defensively, 2025 was tough for Hernández. He ranked among the worst right-field Outs Above Average in the league, and a costly error in Denver got people talking about his future spot.

After the Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker, they shifted Hernández from right to left field. He went along with it for the team, even though he liked right field better.

The move showed the Dodgers’ willingness to adapt. They wanted to maximize late-inning matchups and depth, and hoped left field would help him find easier routes and protect his bat.

Club leaders like Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts said Hernández’s daily effort and openness to change mattered as much as any stat. They noticed his work ethic got better as the season went on, believing the right environment can bring a player back, even after a tough stretch.

The Road Ahead: Health, Recovery, and Optimism

Hernández says his struggles came from a long 2024 season and a short offseason. He also points to the groin issue that lingered into 2025.

He believes those problems are finally behind him. The Dodgers seem hopeful too, thinking he can get back to being a real threat in the heart of the lineup.

They’re counting on a healthier, more dynamic Hernández. If he can tap into that power and knack for solving problems at the plate, he could anchor the offense again.

For 2026, the Dodgers know Hernández brings more than just numbers. If his health holds up and he keeps showing that flexibility in the field, he might reclaim his spot as a key run producer and steady presence in the clubhouse.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Teoscar Hernández — trim, not traded — looks for bounce-back year with Dodgers