With the Los Angeles Dodgers’ season now over, attention turns to the decisions facing the organization ahead of 2027. Among their priorities will be addressing the roster’s need for more athleticism and potentially getting younger in the outfield.

The Dodgers have several pieces to consider as they evaluate their options.

Andy Pages is clearly positioned to remain in center field after a strong 2026 campaign, while Kyle Tucker endured some struggles but still contributed during the postseason.

Teoscar Hernández, however, stands out as one of the biggest question marks entering next season.

Hernández has been an important part of the Dodgers’ success since joining the organization in 2024. After signing a one-year, $23.5 million contract, he quickly established himself as a power hitter and a clubhouse presence, helping Los Angeles win back-to-back World Series championships in 2024 and 2025.

His first season with the Dodgers was particularly productive, as he hit 33 home runs and drove in 99 runs. Hernández also won the Home Run Derby and delivered key contributions during the postseason, further cementing his place in the lineup.

The Dodgers subsequently re-signed him to a three-year, $66 million contract in January 2025, keeping him in Los Angeles through the 2027 season.

Now, however, questions are beginning to emerge about whether Hernández should remain a focal point of the Dodgers’ offense moving forward.

Throughout his career, Hernández has established himself as a productive postseason hitter, particularly against left-handed pitching. His contributions have helped justify the Dodgers’ investment in him, but the organization must now consider whether his current role aligns with its longer-term roster plans.

With another season approaching, Los Angeles will have to weigh Hernández’s offensive value against the possibility of reshaping its outfield.

One reason the Dodgers may consider a different approach is the emergence of Josue De Paula, who made an impression after reaching the major leagues in September.

De Paula appeared in 11 games during the 2026 regular season, collecting 10 hits in 31 at-bats while batting .323. He also recorded a .500 on-base percentage and a .581 slugging percentage, giving the Dodgers an encouraging early look at what he could offer at the major league level.

Although his initial opportunity was limited, De Paula showed the ability to compete against major-league pitching. His performance could strengthen his case for a larger role as the Dodgers evaluate their outfield options for next season.

As the organization’s top prospect, De Paula represents the type of young talent who could help Los Angeles improve its athleticism while building toward the future. His September performance also raises an important question: Can he contribute consistently over a full major-league season in 2027?

The Dodgers will need to determine how much responsibility they are comfortable giving him, particularly if they believe he is ready to take on a more prominent role.

Hernández’s contract could complicate any potential move, as his salary and remaining commitment may make it difficult for the Dodgers to find a suitable trade arrangement.

Still, the organization must consider whether maintaining its current outfield configuration is the best approach. Hernández has played a significant role in the Dodgers’ recent championship success, but the team may benefit from exploring younger alternatives as it looks to improve its roster.

That does not necessarily mean Los Angeles will move on from Hernández. Instead, De Paula's emergence could force the front office to evaluate how its current players fit into its plans.

The Dodgers have several decisions to make as they prepare for 2027, and the outfield could become one of the more intriguing areas to watch this offseason.

Ultimately, Los Angeles must balance the value of its established players with the potential of its younger talent. If the organization decides it needs a younger direction, difficult choices could follow, and Hernández’s place in the outfield will be one to watch.