The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t been very active this offseason, with their only signing of the winter being a one-year, $5.5 million deal for veteran infielder Miguel Rojas.
More news: Yankees’ Aaron Boone Sends Clear Message to Cody Bellinger Amid Free Agency
It should prove to be an interesting offseason for LA’s front office as they balance keeping their championship core intact while also trying to get younger.
The Dodgers have been linked to several free agents and LA’s name has been attached to several trade rumors. Perhaps the most intriguing Dodgers rumor of the offseason has been outfielder Teoscar Hernandez being involved in trade discussions.
Hernandez has been a key contributor for the Dodgers in the past two seasons, but his defensive struggles were exposed in his move to right field last season. As the Dodgers look to sharpen their defense, several people wondered whether Hernandez would be a liability for LA moving forward.
At the Winter Meetings, manager Dave Roberts made his stance clear on Hernandez amid the ongoing trade rumors.
“Teo certainly fits, he’s helped us win two championships. He’s one of my favorites,” Roberts said of Hernandez.
More news: Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki Expected to Join Shohei Ohtani on Team Japan’s WBC Roster
While Hernandez was the Dodgers’ starting right fielder for the 2025 season, Roberts didn’t rule out a potential move back to left field for the 33-year-old. Hernandez spent the 2024 season in left field, and put up better numbers on both sides of the ball.
Roberts defended Hernandez’s abilities in right field, and reinforced his role for the Dodgers.
“Could he move to left? Potentially, but I will say, from my eye test, the last game in Colorado, the last time we were in Denver, from that point on his right field defense was at least average. And so for me, that was sufficient with the bat potential. I do think that with the versatility potentially and how we shape this roster there are some options.
“But right now, he’s our right fielder.”
More news:Â Dodgers Predicted to Bring Back Fan Favorite Free Agent
For all the latest MLB news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.