As negotiations with Teoscar Hernández continue to drag on, the Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring other avenues to address their need for a right-handed bat.
Ha-Seong Kim, Seiya Suzuki and Luis Robert Jr. are three players that have emerged as potential replacements for Hernández on the Dodgers roster.
The Chicago Cubs’ recent acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros makes Suzuki a logical trade candidate. Suzuki often found himself relegated as the designated hitter with Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong occupying outfield spots in 2024.
That figures to be a possibility once again in 2025 with Tucker replacing Bellinger in the Cubs’ outfield alignment. Staring down the barrel of becoming a full-time DH may incentivize Suzuki to waive his no-trade clause, according to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic:
And while Suzuki hit slightly better as a DH than as an outfielder in a similar number of plate appearances last season, the Cubs acknowledge he might not want to serve in that role full-time. The mere possibility, according to a source briefed on Suzuki’s thinking, makes him more inclined to approve a trade.
Suzuki grades out as an average defender at best with three defensive runs saved in 2024, but his -3 outs above average suggests a lack of range in the outfield.
Comparatively, Hernández graded out worse as a defender with -8 DRS and -9 OAA in 2024.
If the Dodgers were to slot in Suzuki for Hernández next season and beyond, they would lose significant pop at the plate. But besides the gap in home runs and slugging percentage between the two players, it wouldn’t be that much of a downgrade for the Dodgers lineup.
Suzuki enjoyed a nice year in 2024, batting .283/.366/.482 in 132 games. While he did strike out at a high rate this past season, he also drew walks with plenty of frequency thanks to strong plate discipline and ability to make contact. Suzuki’s chase rate was in the 94th percentile and he was league-average at limiting whiffs.
Suzuki also stacks up very well in terms of hard hit percentage, barrel percentage, and average exit velocity when compared to Hernández.
Cubs ‘not inclined’ to trade Seiya Suzuki
Despite a crowded outfield and Suzuki’s desire to continue playing in the field, the Cubs are reportedly not looking to trade their outfielder.
The Cubs are aware of Suzuki’s preference, which means they will have to figure out a way to accommodate him in some regard if they truly want to keep him happy on the roster.
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