As the Winter Meetings get underway, the Los Angeles Dodgers once again find themselves at the center of the rumor mill. This time, the speculation surrounds Teoscar Hernández — just one year removed from re-signing with the club on a three-year, $66 million deal — and whether the defending champions could consider reshaping their outfield.
Dodgers Downplay Trade Rumors
Publicly, the Dodgers are signaling continuity. Manager Dave Roberts left little ambiguity when asked about Hernández’s status.
“Right now,” Roberts said Monday, “he’s our right fielder.”
General manager Brandon Gomes was even more direct, pushing back against the notion that a deal is imminent.
“That doesn’t feel likely,” Gomes said. “Obviously, you can never say never on those types of things, but Teo, I know that’s come up. That’s not something we anticipate at all.”
While the Dodgers have gauged league interest, Gomes’ comments suggest any movement would be opportunistic rather than part of a broader plan to shed Hernández.
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Defense Drives the Conversation
If Hernández’s name continues to circulate, it’s largely due to defense. He finished the 2025 season at minus-9 Outs Above Average in right field, ranking near the bottom of qualified outfielders. His range — particularly on balls hit down the lines — became a talking point after a late-August misplay in Colorado contributed to a walk-off loss.
Roberts acknowledged the discussion internally, though he also defended Hernández’s late-season improvement.
“Could he move to left? Potentially,” Roberts said. “But I will say from my eye test … from that point on, his right field defense was at least average. So for me, that was sufficient with the bat potential.”
The Dodgers ultimately stuck with Hernández in right, even through October, despite a few costly postseason miscues.
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Why the Dodgers Still Value Hernández
The counterargument is simple: production and presence. Hernández, 33, remains one of the Dodgers’ most reliable power bats outside their star core of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith. Across the past two championship runs, he provided lineup balance and consistent postseason at-bats — something not easily replaced.
There’s also a market reality at play. Quality right-handed outfield bats are scarce, and Hernández’s appeal to other clubs mirrors his value to Los Angeles.
“Teo certainly fits,” Roberts said. “He has helped us win two championships. He’s one of my favorites.”
Outfield Flexibility Still in Play
Even if Hernández stays, the Dodgers are expected to add an outfielder. Andy Pages, Alex Call, Tommy Edman, and others provide flexibility, though Edman’s offseason ankle procedure could delay his return. Pages’ ability to handle center field gives Los Angeles options, but Gomes emphasized that acquiring a true center fielder isn’t easy.
“He’s a very good center fielder, which is a hard thing to go and acquire,” Gomes said. “So knowing that he can do that just allows us flexibility.”
For now, the Dodgers appear content balancing Hernández’s defensive limitations with what he still brings to a championship-caliber lineup. Trade chatter may persist, but internally, the message is clear: Teoscar Hernández remains part of the plan — unless the right opportunity changes the equation.