With Mookie Betts moving back to shortstop next year, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been in the market for two outfielders this offseason.
The team began to address their need by signing Michael Conforto to a one-year, $17 million contract. They are also interested in bringing back Teoscar Hernández, but the sides haven’t been able to agree to terms on a new deal.
According to multiple reports, the key issue in negotiations between Hernández and Dodgers has been money. It’s unclear what the club has offered, but an issue of deferrals could be playing a part in the delay.
The stalemate has forced the Dodgers to explore other options, including potentially signing Anthony Santander or trading for Seiya Suzuki, via Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
The Dodgers seek one more big bat, and most likely in the outfield since the plan is for Mookie Betts to return to his preferred shortstop.
In addition to Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Santander and a trade for Seiya Suzuki are on the table.
Santander is coming off a solid season for the Baltimore Orioles that saw him hit .235/.308/.506 with 25 doubles, two triples, a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBI in 665 plate appearances (155 games).
However, he grades out poorly in several defensive metrics and is expected to command a larger contract than Hernández. The Dodgers would also need to give up draft compensation to sign Santander since he was extended the qualifying offer.
That could be mitigated in some part as they would receive draft pick compensation with Hernández signing elsehwere.
Suzuki would be an interesting fit, but a recent report suggested the Cubs have no plans to move him. The 30-year-old would have to waive his no-trade clause in any scenario, but he may be open to doing so given his preference to be a full-time outfielder.
Suzuki batted .283/.366/.482 with 27 doubles, six triples, 21 home runs, 73 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 132 games this year. He has three years of team control remaining before potentially becoming a free agent after the 2027 season.
Dodgers interested in Luis Robert Jr.
In addition to Santander and Suzuki, the Dodgers have been linked to Luis Robert Jr. as a possible alternative to Hernández.
The Chicago White Sox are believed to be more open to trading Robert this offseason and reportedly want at least one significant player in return.
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