Although much of the offseason rumor mill involving the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason has centered around their searches for an outfielder and bullpen help, a recent development to emerge is a potential Teoscar Hernández trade.
Despite reports that the Dodgers were exploring moving Hernández, general manager Brandon Gomes deemed a trade unlikely. Manager Dave Roberts also made it clear he still values Hernández and sees a role for him on the Dodgers roster in 2026.
Nevertheless, there continue to be indications that the Dodgers at least remain open to moving the 33-year-old. According to Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals have interest should the Dodgers proceed with a Hernández trade:
The Kansas City Royals have coveted an offense-first outfielder, and have interest in Hernández, a league source said.
Hernández is coming off a down season that entailed regression at the plate, struggles defensively and time spent on the injured list.
He still managed to be productive and finished the year with 29 doubles, 25 home runs, 89 RBI and a 102 wRC+ while appearing in 134 games.
When not factoring in deferred salary, Hernández has two years and just north of $46 million remaining on the multi-year contract signed with the Dodgers last offseason. His deal with the Dodgers included a $23 million signing bonus, $23.5 million in deferred salary, and $15 million team option for 2028 or a $6.5 million buyout.
The Dodgers owe Hernández $2.35 million annually from 2030-2039.
Should the Dodgers trade Teoscar Hernández?
Given his age and contractual status, trading Hernández would theoretically allow for the Dodgers to get younger in their position group and improve outfield defense. However, Hernández is also a power bat who is capable of bringing balance to a group of Dodgers position players that heavily leans left-handed.
And when taking into account already needing to fill one outfield spot, it would be difficult to envision the Dodgers trading Hernández without receiving an everyday starter in return or having an immediate solution looming.
The team has been connected to the likes of Harrison Bader and Cody Bellinger. If the markets for both or either don’t fully materialize, the Dodgers theoretically could be in position to sign Bader and Bellinger after trading Hernández. Of course, that’s far from a likely outcome.
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