Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez had a lackluster 2025, but his 2026 Spring Training performance suggests there could be an upswing ahead.
Hernandez was floated as a trade candidate over the offseason after a poor year, especially after the Dodgers signed the best corner outfielder in free agency — Kyle Tucker.
The team also has a wealth of outfield talent developing, with none more ready than Ryan Ward, but they decided to keep Hernandez and hope he returns stronger than ever.
The Dodgers still have Hernandez on the roster for 2026 and 2027, and he is earning a significant salary, which further motivates them to support him.
However, the Dodgers’ gamble has paid off so far. Hernandez has come into the season prepared, brushing aside the noise, and is focused on playing a new position.
Also, he worked hard over the offseason, losing weight and getting fully healthy after battling a groin injury in the latter half of the year.
Now, The Athletic’s Katie Woo believes that Hernandez is set for a return to the All-Star Game, something he has done twice in his career.
“Hernández was well aware of the trade rumors surrounding him over the winter. He knew he’d need to switch from right field to left field once the Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker,” Woo wrote.
“He arrived at spring training down 10 pounds and deeply motivated. Then he posted one of the strongest springs in camp.
“Hernández delivered a productive season two years ago, with a .501 slugging percentage and a 135 OPS+. It resulted in his second All-Star berth, made him an integral part of the 2024 World Series championship team, and landed him the multi-year contract he always coveted.
“But Hernández was unable to replicate that success in 2025. In fact, it was a career-worst offensive year. He seemed to take that, along with the trade speculation, personally.”
Teoscar Hernandez’s Spring Training numbers
Hernandez played in 19 preseason games, amassing 22 hits, 5 home runs, and 21 RBIs, while posting a batting line of .254/.307/.448. He walked three times, struck out 10, and appeared to have his swing working well overall. With depth across the roster, Hernandez is set to have a breakout season again and contribute by keeping the lineup moving.
He walked three times, punched out 10 times, and overall seemed to get his swing working well on the whole.
With depth on the roster from top to bottom, Hernandez is poised to have a breakout season again and deliver in his role of keeping the lineup moving.
