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Although much of the offseason rumor mill involving the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason has centered around their searches for an outfielder and bullpen help, a recent development to emerge is a potential Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez trade.<\/p>\n
Despite reports that the Dodgers were exploring moving Hern\u00e1ndez, general manager Brandon Gomes deemed a trade unlikely<\/a>. Manager Dave Roberts also made it clear he still values Hern\u00e1ndez and sees a role for him on the Dodgers roster in 2026.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, there continue to be indications that the Dodgers at least remain open to moving the 33-year-old. According to Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic<\/a>, the Kansas City Royals have interest should the Dodgers proceed with a Hern\u00e1ndez trade: <\/p>\n The Kansas City Royals have coveted an offense-first outfielder, and have interest in Hern\u00e1ndez, a league source said. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Hern\u00e1ndez is coming off a down season that entailed regression at the plate, struggles defensively and time spent on the injured list. <\/p>\n He still managed to be productive and finished the year with 29 doubles, 25 home runs, 89 RBI and a 102 wRC+ while appearing in 134 games. <\/p>\n When not factoring in deferred salary, Hern\u00e1ndez has two years and just north of $46 million remaining on the multi-year contract signed with the Dodgers last offseason. His deal with the Dodgers included a $23 million signing bonus, $23.5 million in deferred salary, and $15 million team option for 2028 or<\/a> a $6.5 million buyout.<\/p>\n The Dodgers owe Hern\u00e1ndez $2.35 million annually from 2030-2039.<\/p>\n Given his age and contractual status, trading Hern\u00e1ndez would theoretically allow for the Dodgers to get younger in their position group and improve outfield defense. However, Hern\u00e1ndez is also a power bat who is capable of bringing balance to a group of Dodgers position players that heavily leans left-handed.<\/p>\n And when taking into account already needing to fill one outfield spot, it would be difficult to envision the Dodgers trading Hern\u00e1ndez without receiving an everyday starter in return or having an immediate solution looming.<\/p>\n The team has been connected to the likes of Harrison Bader and Cody Bellinger. If the markets for both or either don\u2019t fully materialize, the Dodgers theoretically could be in position to sign Bader and Bellinger after trading Hern\u00e1ndez. Of course, that\u2019s far from a likely outcome.<\/p>\n\n
Should the Dodgers trade Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez?<\/h2>\n