Reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and ESPN's Alden Gonzalez indicate that Teoscar Hernandez is expected to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Opening Day, despite earlier trade speculation following Kyle Tucker's addition to the team. The Dodgers' strategy involves shifting Hernandez to left field, with Tucker occupying right field.
Roster Adjustments and Options
Andy Pages and Tommy Edman are considered primary options for center field, with Alex Call as a reserve. Edman is also a contender for second base, alongside Miguel Rojas, Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland, and Andy Ibanez. A potential reunion with Enrique Hernandez during the offseason has not been ruled out.
Contract Details and Trade Context
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and GM Brandon Gomes had previously downplayed the idea of trading Hernandez. Hernandez signed a three-year, $66MM free agent contract. Due to existing payments and deferred amounts, a team acquiring Hernandez via trade would be responsible for approximately $33MM over a two-year period. The Royals were cited as one club that had shown interest. Trading Hernandez could have offered luxury tax relief and created roster space, potentially for prospects like Josue De Paula or increased playing time for Call or Edman.
Player Performance
Keeping Hernandez provides the Dodgers with depth as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title. Hernandez's trade market was reportedly thin following a 2024 season where he hit 25 home runs but posted a .247/.284/.454 slash line, resulting in a 102 wRC+ and a career-low 4.8% walk rate. His value is diminished by subpar defense if his hitting is not consistently strong.
Potential Trade Assets
Should the Dodgers pursue trades, other players such as right-hander Bobby Miller or minor league outfielder Ryan Ward are suggested as more likely candidates. Miller, a former top pitching prospect, had an 8.85 ERA over 61 MLB innings since Opening Day 2024, experiencing control issues at the Triple-A level. Ward, an eighth-round pick from 2019, performed well in Triple-A in 2025 but, at age 28, is reportedly not considered part of the Dodgers' long-term plans.