Teoscar Hernandez entered free agency after a modest 2023 with Seattle, then signed a one‑year, $23.5 million pact with Los Angeles. He bet on a strong 2024 to boost his market value. So why opt for a short deal?
The gamble paid off: Hernandez posted a .272/.339/.501 line with 33 homers in 652 PA, earned All‑Star and Silver Slugger honors, and captured his first World Series ring as the 2024 Dodgers clinched the title. Wanting to stay, he secured a three‑year, $66 million guarantee, plus a $15 million club option for 2028 with a $6.5 million buyout and a conditional 2029 option triggered by 75 injured‑list days.
Los Angeles repeated as champions in 2025, with Hernandez contributing solid postseason numbers. Yet his first two contract years resemble his 2023 output more than his breakout 2024. Since Opening Day 2025 he has logged a .256/.308/.441 slash line, 41 homers in 1,037 PA and a 105 wRC+. In 2026 his average and walk rate rose, though his 8.6 % BB lingered below league norm and his power tapered.
Before a hamstring strain sidelined him from late May to June, Hernandez was hitting well in 2026. After returning, he endured a two‑month slump before reverting to his classic stance, which revived his production. He finished the regular season with a 1.015 OPS over his last 104 PA, then cooled off in the playoffs.
At age 34, a 110 wRC+ still represents respectable output for his salary. In my view, Hernandez is overpriced for the Dodgers, making him a prime trade candidate for 2027.
The obvious alternative is Josue De Paula. The prospect debuted this year, posting a 1.081 OPS in his first 41 PA and drawing two walks in three pinch‑hit postseason at‑bats. The Dodgers promoted him straight from Double‑A, so even if he starts 2027 in Triple‑A Oklahoma City, he has little left to prove against minor‑league arms.
Defensive assessments of De Paula vary, suggesting he could eventually serve as a designated hitter. With Shohei Ohtani locked into the DH role and Kyle Tucker anchoring right field, left field becomes De Paula’s natural spot. Pairing the left‑handed De Paula with right‑handed Hernandez might work, yet even a stacked roster would question the efficiency of that split.
The Dodgers’ everyday lineup already features Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Andy Pages, Max Muncy, Ohtani and Tucker. Second base leans toward Tommy Edman, signed through 2029, with Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland providing depth. Though Muncy’s final guaranteed year could label him a trade chip, his tenure exceeds Hernandez’s.
Moreover, Los Angeles lacks a ready third‑base substitute comparable to the outfield prospects knocking on the door. That depth makes exercising Hernandez’s 2028 option unlikely, prompting a winter trade to address other needs. Last offseason, GM Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts downplayed early trade chatter.
Now a veteran of 11 seasons, Hernandez offers power and a strong barrel rate but strikes out often and walks sparingly. Defensively he is below average in both corner spots despite a solid arm. His recent dip in power may stem from a stance tweak and lingering hamstring effects. A team without a set DH could grant him occasional rest days.
In 2027 Hernandez is slated to earn $14.5 million, with $8 million deferred to 2031. Combined with a $6.5 million buyout for the 2028 option, his price tag for next season sits at $13 million. For a 34‑year‑old DH‑leaning veteran posting a 110 wRC+, that figure is market‑reasonable, so the Dodgers wouldn’t need to absorb salary in a trade. Shedding his contract would free modest payroll flexibility.
The $13 million price tag is low enough to attract lower‑budget clubs. Teams averse to splurging on free‑agent outfielders or unwilling to meet the asking prices of stars like Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki or Teruaki Sato might find Hernandez appealing.
Potential destinations range from the Mariners—who may hesitate after 2023—to West‑side rivals like the Padres, Giants or Diamondbacks, and a slew of NL and AL clubs needing corner outfield or DH help. Could a mid‑winter deal finally move Hernandez away from Dodger Blue in 2027?