Teoscar Hernández’s name briefly circulated in trade speculation earlier this offseason, particularly after the Dodgers added star outfielder Kyle Tucker to an already deep roster. However, multiple reports now suggest Los Angeles is unlikely to move on from Hernández and instead views him as part of its Opening Day lineup.

According to industry insider Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers’ preference is to adjust their defensive alignment rather than trade the veteran slugger. Hernández is expected to slide into left field, allowing Tucker to man right field, where he has been most comfortable throughout his career. Center field would then be handled primarily by Andy Pages and Tommy Edman, with Alex Call serving as a depth option across the outfield.

Edman’s versatility continues to be a major asset for Los Angeles. While he is an option in center field, he is also very much in the mix at second base, a position that remains unsettled.

Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland, and recently acquired Andy Ibáñez are all candidates for playing time on the infield dirt, and the Dodgers could still explore additional depth moves before camp opens. A reunion with Enrique Hernández has not been completely ruled out either.

Team leadership has consistently downplayed the idea of trading Teoscar Hernández. Manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes both suggested earlier this winter that the club was comfortable keeping the outfielder, especially after committing to him in free agency just one year ago.

Hernández is entering the second season of a three-year deal that includes deferred money and a club option, making the financial commitment more manageable than it initially appears on paper.

From a roster construction standpoint, retaining Hernández provides stability and proven production as the Dodgers aim for a third straight championship.

While moving him could have created additional luxury tax flexibility and opened pathways for younger outfield prospects, Los Angeles appears content prioritizing depth and reliability over potential upside from untested players.

Hernández’s 2025 season was solid, if unspectacular. He finished with 25 home runs but posted a modest overall offensive line, and his defensive limitations mean his value is closely tied to his bat. Even so, the Dodgers believe there is room for a bounce-back performance as he enters his age-33 season.

Rather than parting with Hernández, Los Angeles may look elsewhere if trade opportunities arise. With organizational depth across the roster, the Dodgers could instead consider dealing from their pool of younger or less-established players as they continue fine-tuning a championship-caliber roster.

For now, Hernández remains firmly in the Dodgers’ plans, reinforcing the club’s win-now mindset heading into another season with title expectations firmly in place.

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