Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is reportedly available via trade, a surprising development considering his role on the team during recent championship seasons.
Hernandez is a locker room leader and an experienced voice on the team, one among multiple such figures. The outfielder played a key role in the 2024 World Series run, but in 2025, he took a step back in production and defense.
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The Dodgers re-signed Hernandez last season to a three-year, $66 million contract that averages out to $22 million per year.
While playing in right field, Hernadez went from 4.3 bWAR in 2024 to 1.5 bWAR last season. He continues to hit home runs and drive in runs at a reasonable level, but his advanced metrics, especially his fielding, declined from one year to the next.
Now that his bat is not making up for his poor fielding range, the Dodgers are weighing whether they should trade Hernandez one year after paying him, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, adding another name to a populated outfielder market.
A trade of Hernandez unlocks money for the Dodgers, which could have a domino effect, allowing them to improve the outfield and other areas of need, notably the closer spot.
“The Dodgers will be thrown into every single rumor because of their massive payroll, and they do have $80 million coming off the books, but the reality is that they won’t be involved in the bidding war for any of the biggest stars,” Nightengale wrote.
“Oh, they’ll dip… their toes in the water for Tucker, Bellinger and Diaz, but they would prefer to grab outfielder Harrison Bader and Suarez. The only way they may consider making an expensive pickup is if they trade Hernandez, who’s owed $26.5 million.”
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There could be a handful of interested parties in Hernandez who can still hit and should provide some clutch hitting in a crucial situation.
His contract will be a tough pill to swallow, but if the Dodgers can move him, the outfield could look better than ever and put Los Angeles in the driver’s seat for the title.
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