Right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, a fan favorite and a consistently clutch postseason hitter, might not be on the Los Angeles Dodgers roster by the start of spring training, as his name has been mentioned time and time again in trade rumors during and after the MLB Winter Meetings.
Hernandez, who is an above average hitter and an average-at-best defender in the outfield, could be moved from right to left field next season if he remains on the team, as his defensive lapses could be mitigated on the left side of the outfield.
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“There’s a chance it happens,” Fabian Ardaya wrote for The Athletic. “Andy Pages’ glove (and arm) would certainly be maximized in right field, as good as he was in center field last year. Hernández’s gaffes —particularly on balls down the line — wouldn’t be as impactful, as the balls that turned into triples in right likely would be doubles in left.”
Ardaya added that Hernandez’s status as a member of the Dodgers could hinge on what happens with free agents Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger. The Dodgers are reportedly listening to offers on Hernandez, but as teams are still courting both Tucker and Bellinger — two of MLB’s top free agents this offseason — the Dodgers might have to wait before having any serious talks regarding Hernandez.
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“I’d imagine if the Dodgers do wind up moving Hernández, it would be around the time that the likes of Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger and others start to come off the board,” Ardaya wrote. “Teams that miss out on those stars could pivot to Hernández.”
The Dodgers wouldn’t just give Hernandez away, as his upside as a hitter is hard to match and they are still looking to add a position player in free agency — including, although it is not a guarantee, Tucker or Bellinger. They would have to be impressed with an offer to trade away a player who has been a key part of their consecutive World Series titles.
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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2 Responses
DO NOT DO IT!!!!
NOOOOOOO. Keep Teo!