After the Los Angeles Dodgers signed All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, questions arose surrounding Teoscar Hernandez’s future in the organization.
Hernandez’s name has reportedly come up in trade talks this offseason, especially during the Winter Meetings in Orlando.
“Hernández’s name is coming up in trade conversations, according to league sources,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney reported. “The Dodgers view a deal as unlikely, but the idea of it, at least, is not without logic.”
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) singles during the tenth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, though, thinks shipping the All-Star outfielder elsewhere would be a big mistake.
“No chance in hell are they going to trade Teo,” McKain said. “Because, one, what he means to the clubhouse as far as being a clubhouse leader, the intangibles. Who’s going to throw those sunflower seeds? I mean, yeah, sure, the Dodger Stadium cleaning crew would be happy about it, less work for them.
“It’d also mean more work for the Dodgers’ lineup, because who’s going to mash against lefties? Who’s going to bring you that joy? That billion dollar megawatt smile? To me, the thought of trading Teoscar Hernandez was a non-starter. It would have been a massive mistake if the Dodgers had done that because of how good he is in the postseason, the role he plays.”
How Important is Teoscar Hernandez on Offense?
Hernandez had a down year in 2025, but still managed more than enough offensive production for the Dodgers to keep him around.
Hernandez hit 25 home runs and recorded 89 RBIs last season, both of which ranked third on the Dodgers. Additionally, he is one of the best right-handed power bats in the Dodgers’ lineup. Andy Pages is the only right-handed batter on the roster who hit more home runs than Hernandez last season, and Hernandez has proven he can sustain his excellence over a long period of time.
The veteran has hit 20 or more home runs in every MLB season he has played 100 or more games.
He had a .754 OPS against left-handers in 2025 — nearly .020 points better than his mark against righties — and managed a .467 slugging percentage in 120 at-bats against southpaws.
Hernandez adds a new layer to the Dodgers’ lineup, and sending him out so soon after getting a complete outfield would put the Dodgers in the same predicament they were in before signing Tucker.
LA Baseball Report
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