Teoscar Hernández, a fan favorite and key contributor to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series titles, finds himself at the center of offseason trade speculation. Despite his pivotal role in the clubhouse and postseason, whispers of a possible move have circulated, surprising many given his veteran status.
A Season of Regression
Hernández’s 2025 campaign marked a step back from his 2024 performance. At 33, the outfielder struggled defensively, ranking in the 6th percentile for fielding run value and the 43rd percentile in xwOBA. His expected batting average and slugging were middling, and he struck out frequently, limiting his overall offensive impact. On the basepaths, his lack of speed was magnified in right field, where poor reads contributed to defensive shortcomings.
While the bat remains his strongest asset, Hernández’s defensive limitations have fueled speculation that the Dodgers could explore alternatives this offseason.
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Trade Possibilities and Market Reality
According to insiders, the Dodgers have Hernández on the trade market, though both general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts downplayed the likelihood of an actual move. Gomes stated, “That doesn’t feel likely…that’s not something we anticipate at all.” Roberts echoed a similar sentiment, adding, “Right now, he’s our right fielder,” while leaving open the possibility of moving Hernández to left field.
However, new reports suggest that interest in Hernández is not merely hypothetical. The Kansas City Royals have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the outfielder. As The Athletic’s Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya write, “The Kansas City Royals have coveted an offense-first outfielder, and have interest in Hernández, a league source said.” With the Dodgers chasing a potential three-peat in 2026, the front office could weigh a trade that strengthens other areas of the roster while moving a veteran with a team-friendly contract.
Hernández’s contract is affordable, with $30 million guaranteed over the next two years and a $15 million club option for 2028, making a potential trade more realistic should the right offer present itself.
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Dodgers Trade Rumors: Outfield Outlook
LA faces questions about outfield depth heading into 2026. With Andy Pages, Alex Call, Tommy Edman, Ryan Ward, and Esteury Ruiz on the 40-man roster, the team has options. Pages is expected to start in center, though his skill set could allow a move to right field if another starter is acquired. The Dodgers trade rumors have been linked to big-name free agents like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker, as well as trade targets such as Steven Kwan, signaling their intent to improve a group that underperformed relative to expectations.
Balancing Continuity and Opportunity
Despite Hernandez’s struggles, his postseason experience, clubhouse presence, and ability to perform in high-leverage situations remain valuable. Roberts emphasized, “There’s really no big splash we feel needs to be made because this team is still focused, and there’s some talk about a three-peat.” Gomes’ measured approach suggests the Dodgers will explore opportunities that make sense financially and competitively without disrupting team chemistry.
For now, Teoscar Hernández remains a key piece of the Dodgers’ outfield puzzle, though with trade interest from Kansas City, his status in Los Angeles is one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.