With Major League Baseball’s winter meetings officially underway, prepare for a swarm of headlines about possible free agent signings and trade acquisitions across the league.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been quiet in free agency thus far, could make a few headlines themselves, as rumors swirl about who the reigning World Series champions might sign and who they might send away.
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One player who has been generating headlines lately is right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, who the Dodgers are reportedly shopping at winter meetings according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Hernandez, who has cemented himself as a Dodgers’ playoff hero with 8 home runs, 25 RBI and a .254 batting average over the last two postseasons, is owed $26 million over the next two seasons. His departure could allow the Dodgers to be more flexible in bringing in a highly-touted free agent.
However, the Dodgers think highly of the 33-year-old Hernandez, and likely wouldn’t part ways with him unless presented with an eyebrow-raising offer. Hernandez has hit 25 or more home runs in each of the past six seasons, excluding the shortened 2020 season, and is a beloved member of the clubhouse.
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However, Hernandez is a liability at times on defense, ranking 33rd out of 36 players last season in Outs Above Average. The Dodgers, who are looking for upgrades in both the bullpen and the outfield, could seek to replace Hernandez with a more defensive-minded player in right field.
With a payroll that at times seems unlimited, the Dodgers will be linked to big name outfielders such as Kyle Tucker, although the expectation remains that Tucker will sign a long term deal elsewhere, as the Dodgers are focused on signing short term contracts.
“They’ll dip put their toes in the water for Tucker, [Cody] Bellinger and [Edwin] Diaz, but they would prefer to grab outfielder Harrison Bader and [Robert] Suarez. The only way they may consider making an expensive pickup is if they trade Hernandez, who’s owed $26.5 million.”
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2 Responses
He’s not going anywhere!
I’ve seen a lot of mixed reactions on Teoscar trade rumors. What’s your take?