The Los Angeles Dodgers have a very clear objective for the upcoming campaign, and this could materialize through an unexpected move that would leave the team without one of its best offensive assets. However, the truth is that if it happens, they could seek an option to reinforce their outfield defensively.
The one to be sacrificed in this scenario would be Teoscar Hernández, one of the team’s most recent stars, and we can’t say that his strength lies in defensive plays.
Teoscar Hernández would be the big sacrifice
Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic report that the Dodgers are willing to trade the veteran outfielder to find a player who is more efficient defensively for their gardens [outfield].
It’s no secret that Hernández was one of the worst defensive outfielders in all of MLB in 2025, with a record of -9 outs above average, a figure that placed him in the third percentile of the league. To his misfortune, his offensive numbers also dropped in 2025: he hit 25 home runs and had an OPS of .738, after achieving a personal record of 33 homers and an OPS of .840 in 2024.
“An interesting possibility has surfaced for the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers: A trade of right fielder Teoscar Hernández,” the article reads.
“Hernández’s name is coming up in trade conversations, according to league sources. The Dodgers view a deal as unlikely, but the idea of it, at least, is not without logic.
“…If the Dodgers trade Hernández, they could move Andy Pages to right, where he could be elite, and try to acquire a center fielder. Tommy Edman underwent surgery on his right ankle last month, so asking him to play center could be too much. Moving Edman off second base might also thrust two largely unproven players, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland, into more prominent roles.”
What would the Dodgers’ options be?
One of the names that stands out is Jarren Duran from the Boston Red Sox. He’s a player who has been linked to the franchise this offseason because it seems he won’t be part of his team’s plans.
Another name the Dodgers could consider is an old trade market target: Byron Buxton. The 31-year-old center fielder enjoyed an unusually complete and healthy season in 2025, in which he once again demonstrated all his offensive potential. Buxton finished 11th in MVP voting and set a personal record with 35 home runs, in addition to providing his usual elite defense.
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