The Los Angeles Dodgers already addressed one major need this offseason by signing Blake Snell, but there remains a considerable void in their outfield as Teoscar Hernández continues to linger on the free agent market.
Hernández stated throughout the 2024 season that he hoped to remain with the Dodgers beyond this year, and it was a sentiment he reiterated during the World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts have both expressed interest in re-signing Hernández as well.
But with contract negotiations still at an impasse, the Dodgers are beginning to evaluate other options to Hernández, whether in the outfield or simply a right-handed hitting position player.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers have interest in Ha-Seong Kim, Seiya Suzuki and Luis Robert Jr.:
The potential options, according to sources briefed on the team’s discussions, include infielder Ha-Seong Kim in free agency and Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. and others in trade.
Robert has been linked to the Dodgers on several occasions, dating back to last offseason and this year’s trade deadline. He’s under team control for three more years, with that coming in the form of $20 million team options for 2026 and 2027. Robert is due to receive a $15 million salary in 2025.
Like Robert, the Dodgers would need to complete a trade if they wish to acquire Suzuki. The 30-year-old is under contract through the 2026 season but does hold a full no-trade clause.
Suzuki may be inclined to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to the Dodgers, both because of a personal desire to remain an outfielder rather than designated hitter, and also to join a World Series favorite while getting an opportunity to play with fellow Japanese natives Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Kim is a free agent but his fit on the Dodgers roster isn’t quite as clear due to being a middle infielder. Furthermore, Kim is recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The 29-year-old hopes to return early into the 2025 season.
Dodgers alternatives to Teoscar Hernández
Robert and Suzuki make for more natural replacements to Hernández, but neither is coming off the season he just had. Moreover, Robert has trended downward for multiple years but the Chicago White Sox are believed to still value him highly in trade talks.
Hernández hit .272/.339/.501 with a 134 wRC+ en route to winning his third Silver Slugger Award and second selection to the All-MLB Team. He finished the season with 32 doubles, two triples, 33 home runs, 99 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
Hernández led all National League outfielders in home runs, slugging percentage, RBI and a 14.9% barrel rate.
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