Cincinnati Reds fans are eagerly hoping to see free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber return to his hometown this winter. At the outset of the offseason, the idea of the Reds signing Schwarber seemed like a long shot, but it’s become a distinct possibility with the MLB Winter Meetings just around the corner.
But given the penny-pinching nature of Bob Castellini and the Reds ownership group, fans are hesitant to be all-in. Schwarber has multiple suitors this offseason, including several with deep pockets. Even Cincinnati’s best efforts may end without Schwarber signing on the dotted line.
As such, the Reds need a contingency plan. Shockingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers may be able to provide the Reds with a Plan B in the event Schwarber signs elsewhere this winter. According to The Athletic (subscription required) Teoscar Hernández’s name has come up in trade conversations, and the Dodgers slugger could be on the move this offseason.
Reds could trade for Dodgers star Teoscar Hernandez if Cincy’s efforts to sign Kyle Schwarber fall through
The Athletic was quick to point out that the Dodgers see a deal as unlikely. But the potential free-agent addition of Kyle Tucker — a player LA is known to covet — could pave the way for the Reds to swoop in and pick up a middle-of-the-order bat that would bolster the team’s lineup in 2026.
The 2025 season was down-year for Hernandez who hit .247/.284/.454 and walloped 25 homers. He’s one year removed, however, from an All-Star campaign in 2024 when he posted a .272/.339/.501 slash line with 33 homers and a 141 OPS+.
Hernandez is under contract through 2027 with a team-option for 2028. Of the $42 million he’s owed over the next two seasons, $16 million is deferred. His option also includes a $6.5 million buyout, and there’s a provision in the contract that guarantees his 2028 salary if he misses significant time due to injury. Though the contract is somewhat complex, it’s much less than they’d be paying for Schwarber’s services if the Reds are fortunate enough to sign him.
The Reds should still keep their eye on the prize and pull out all the stops to sign Schwwarber this offseason. If their effort fail, however, Cincinnati still needs to add power to their lineup, and Hernandez could be a fantastic pivot.