Dodgers Weigh Teoscar Hernandez Trade Ahead of Winter Meetings

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the Winter Meetings amid growing trade chatter and MLB free-agent speculation, with veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernandez at the center of attention. Hernandez’s résumé is impressive: a two-time World Series champion and two-time All-Star whose presence carries both performance and contract considerations.

Hernandez signed a one-year, $23.5 million deal in January 2024, followed by a three-year, $66 million extension. His 2025 regular season was inconsistent, hitting .247/.284/.454 with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs across 134 games—the lowest offensive output of his career since 2019. Defensively, he struggled at times but remained a core part of the lineup.

In the postseason, Hernandez regained his impact, producing five home runs, 13 RBIs, and delivering a key performance in Game 7 that helped the Dodgers secure another championship. His ability to rise in critical moments underscores his value both on and off the field.

Despite his contributions, Hernandez’s $26.5 million salary limits Los Angeles’ ability to pursue marquee free agents aggressively. While the Dodgers will monitor players like Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Yandy Díaz, their focus appears to be on measured, strategic roster enhancements rather than headline-chasing moves.

1. Hernandez’s Trade Potential

Teoscar Hernandez represents both an asset and a constraint for the Dodgers. His contract occupies significant payroll space, which could otherwise be deployed to address multiple areas of need. Trading him would provide financial flexibility to explore higher-impact acquisitions. Los Angeles has shown a preference for controlled, cost-effective additions, targeting players such as Harrison Bader and Robert Suarez. Bader offers elite defense and range in the outfield, while Suarez strengthens the bullpen and stabilizes late innings. A potential Hernandez trade would allow the Dodgers to pursue more aggressive options in free agency without compromising depth or balance. The organization values flexibility, viewing any move as a calculated step toward long-term postseason competitiveness rather than a reactionary splash. Even as rumors swirl, Hernandez’s presence ensures the Dodgers remain central to offseason conversations. His combination of performance history and contractual weight makes any potential trade a headline-worthy scenario for the league.

2. Strategic Roster Planning

Los Angeles is approaching MLB free agency with measured intent, focusing on strengthening key areas without overextending financially. The Dodgers’ strategy emphasizes depth, versatility, and postseason reliability over chasing marquee names. Controlled acquisitions like Bader and Suarez demonstrate this philosophy, balancing roster improvement with fiscal prudence. These moves allow the team to address gaps while keeping the core intact, preserving championship contention. If Hernandez were traded, it could reshape the Dodgers’ offseason strategy entirely, creating the payroll space necessary to pursue more high-profile targets. Such a move would signal a willingness to combine strategic patience with opportunistic aggression in shaping the roster. The Dodgers’ brand and payroll ensure they remain central to rumor mills and trade speculation. While the offseason has been deliberate thus far, any bold transaction could ignite conversations about whether the team’s next World Series push is already underway.

3. Measured Confidence Amid Rumors

The Dodgers’ approach this offseason reflects quiet confidence. Their strategy balances prudence with the capability to act decisively if an opportunity arises, reinforcing their status as perennial contenders. Rumors may swirl around Hernandez and other high-profile players, but Los Angeles is positioning itself to act thoughtfully rather than reactively. This measured approach protects both the team’s core and its championship trajectory. By prioritizing depth, flexibility, and situational value, the Dodgers aim to remain competitive while maximizing opportunities for high-impact acquisitions. The potential movement of Hernandez could unlock a pivotal chapter in their offseason planning. Ultimately, Los Angeles is combining strategic restraint with calculated readiness, ensuring that any significant roster change enhances both immediate performance and long-term stability.