After the Los Angeles Dodgers signed All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, questions arose surrounding Teoscar Hernandez’s future in the organization.
Hernandez’s name has reportedly come up in trade talks this offseason, especially during the Winter Meetings in Orlando.
“Hernández’s name is coming up in trade conversations, according to league sources,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney reported. “The Dodgers view a deal as unlikely, but the idea of it, at least, is not without logic.”
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, though, thinks shipping the All-Star outfielder elsewhere would be a big mistake.
“No chance in hell are they going to trade Teo,” McKain said. “Because, one, what he means to the clubhouse as far as being a clubhouse leader, the intangibles. Who’s going to throw those sunflower seeds? I mean, yeah, sure, the Dodger Stadium cleaning crew would be happy about it, less work for them.
“It’d also mean more work for the Dodgers’ lineup, because who’s going to mash against lefties? Who’s going to bring you that joy? That billion dollar megawatt smile? To me, the thought of trading Teoscar Hernandez was a non-starter. It would have been a massive mistake if the Dodgers had done that because of how good he is in the postseason, the role he plays.”
How Important is Teoscar Hernandez on Offense?
Hernandez had a down year in 2025, but still managed more than enough offensive production for the Dodgers to keep him around.
Hernandez hit 25 home runs and recorded 89 RBIs last season, both of which ranked third on the Dodgers. Additionally, he is one of the best right-handed power bats in the Dodgers’ lineup. Andy Pages is the only right-handed batter on the roster who hit more home runs than Hernandez last season, and Hernandez has proven he can sustain his excellence over a long period of time.
The veteran has hit 20 or more home runs in every MLB season he has played 100 or more games.
He had a .754 OPS against left-handers in 2025 — nearly .020 points better than his mark against righties — and managed a .467 slugging percentage in 120 at-bats against southpaws.
Hernandez adds a new layer to the Dodgers’ lineup, and sending him out so soon after getting a complete outfield would put the Dodgers in the same predicament they were in before signing Tucker.
4 Responses
Wait a minute, who are the insiders? I didn’t see any mention of any insider. Surely you’re not referring to Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney as insiders, they’re just guys who get paid to talk about baseball. That doesn’t make them any more of an insider than I am.
I think the Dodgers made a big mistake in signing Tucker! Why not give some of the Triple A players a chance? Also do NOT move Freddie down in the batting order to showcase Tucker; it will not work! Dodger Don 70+ years a fan- one hour from the Montreal Royals of the 1950’s.
I agree…Teo means a lot to the team more than just the number–which are pretty good. He, Kiké, and Miguel Rojas keep the team together. Teo was the first Dodger to reach out to Ohtani when Shoehi reported to training camp. Shohei loves the guy, so he won’t be going anywhere.
I agree, there’s no reason for him to leave! Especially with how important he is to the clubhouse.