The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t have many roster needs heading into the 2026 season, but there is a glaring void in their outfield.
On the surface it’s in left field, where Michael Conforto played and fell well short of expectations on his one-year contract. But because of some versatility with Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernández, the Dodgers conceivably could acquire any outfielder and arrange the pieces however is necessary.
That being said, there also appears to be a scenario in which Hernández is not on the Dodgers roster as they look to three-peat. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have the 33-year-old on the trade block:
The Dodgers are shopping outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
It previously was reported the Dodgers were mulling a potential trade involving Hernandez, though that outcome also was deemed unlikely.
Hernandez re-signed with the Dodgers last offseason on a three-year, $66 million contract to end what became a drawn-out free agency process. His deal included a $23 million signing bonus, $23.5 million in deferred salary, $15 million team option for the 2028 season or $6.5 million buyout.
Thus, Hernández can earn a total of $81 million under his Dodgers contract. At minimum he is due to receive $72.5 million even if the Dodgers decline their team option on Hernández’s contract after three years.
Hernández’s multi-year deal came after joining the Dodgers for the 2025 season. He became a key contributor in their lineup and helped power the team to the first of what would become consecutive championships. Hernández made it clear last offseason his preference — and focus — was on returning to the Dodgers.
Why would the Dodgers trade Teoscar Hernández?
Hernández regressed at the plate this past season and also struggled defensively in right field despite that being his preferred position.
Given his age and contractual status, trading Hernández would theoretically allow for the Dodgers to get younger and improve their outfield defense. Though, Hernández is also a power bat who is capable of bringing balance to a group of Dodgers position players that heavily leans left-handed.
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