Dodgers Explore Trade Options for Teoscar Hernandez

The Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring trade options for veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernandez this offseason, amid concerns over their outfield defense following back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025. While the team views a deal as unlikely, Hernandez's name has surfaced in discussions with other clubs as the Dodgers seek to bolster their roster.

Hernandez, who turned 33 in October, enters the second year of a three-year, $66 million contract signed in free agency last winter. He is owed $33 million over the next two seasons, including $14.7 million in 2026 and $16.9 million in 2027, with $16 million deferred until 2031 and a $15 million club option for 2028 backed by a $6.5 million buyout. His 2025 regular season marked a downturn from his All-Star performance the previous year, as he hit .247 with a .284 on-base percentage, .454 slugging percentage, 25 home runs, and 89 RBIs in 134 games. Despite the dip, Hernandez remained a reliable power threat, posting the lowest strikeout rate of his career at 24.5 percent, though his walk rate also fell to a career-low 4.8 percent.

Defensively, Hernandez struggled in right field, where he played most of the season after Mookie...