The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly been communicating with teams across the league about their potential interest in right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, who has two years remaining in his contract with the Dodgers.
With the MLB Winter Meetings in full swing, there was speculation that a deal could be made this week involving the 33-year-old as those across the league flock to Orlando.
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However, after both general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media on Monday, it appears that the Dodgers are not expecting to part ways with Hernandez anytime soon.
“Obviously you can never say never on those types of things, but Teo, I know that’s come up,” Gomes told reporters. “That’s not something we anticipate at all.”
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Hernandez’s name had dominated Dodgers-related headlines of late, as reports surfaced of the team gauging interest in the dominant hitter. Based off Gomes’ words and the lack of right-handed hitting outfield options, it seems more likely than not that Hernandez will stick around for the second year of his $66 million, three-year deal.
Hernandez, who is average at best as a defender, is coming off of a relatively down season, during which he hit 25 home runs and held a .247 batting average a year after hitting 33 with a .272 average in his first year with the Dodgers. Regardless, Hernandez has been a reliable player in the postseason for the Dodgers, hitting eight home runs and 25 RBI between his two playoff runs with L.A.
Roberts echoed Gomes’ confidence in Hernandez when he spoke to the media on Monday.
“Teo certainly fits,” manager Dave Roberts said Monday. “He has helped us win two championships. He’s one of my favorites. Could he move to left? Potentially. I do think that with the versatility potential and how we potentially shape this roster, there’s some options. But right now, he’s our right fielder.”
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