The Dodgers explore alternatives to Teoscar Hernandez

Negotiations between the Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez remain at an impasse, according to a report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. While L.A. and Hernandez have long expressed mutual interest in a reunion following a successful 2024 campaign that concluded with a World Series championship, previous reports indicated a “gap” remained between the parties in negotiations. Evidently, that gap remains, as Rosenthal reports that Los Angeles brass are “exploring” right-handed alternatives to Hernandez that they could add to their lineup instead. The three names Rosenthal lists as potential options for the Dodgers are free agent infielders Ha-Seong KimCubs outfielder Seiya Suzukiand center fielder for the White Sox Luis Robert Jr. Rosenthal points out, however, that it is not yet clear how serious the Dodgers are about these activities.

Of the three names floated, Suzuki is perhaps the best Hernandez replacement from the Dodgers’ perspective. Last year he hit .283/.366/.482 with 21 homers and 16 steals in 132 games for the Cubs. His high on-base percentage and lower power make him a bit of a different hitter than Hernandez, but Suzuki’s 138 wRC+ actually has an edge over Hernandez’s 134. Both are generally considered below-average defenders at the outfield corner, but either would provide the Dodgers with a big right-handed bat to add to their lineup and a starter for the outfield corner not occupied by Michele Conforto.

As good a choice as Suzuki would be, however, acquiring him may be easier said than done. Rosenthal reports that the Cubs are “not inclined” to trade Suzuki this winter. The club entered the offseason with something of an impasse in the outfield due to the presence of both Suzuki and Cody Bellingerand that impasse only grew when the club added the star right winger Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Astros earlier this month. Since then, the Cubs have dealt Bellinger to the Yankees. While this leaves them in a similar situation as they entered the winter, with two right-handed fielders on the roster and Suzuki likely relegated to regular DH duties, the club still appears to prefer keeping Suzuki rather than parting with the talented hitter.

Rosenthal suggests the Cubs believe Suzuki would be difficult to replace due to a tight market for hard-hitting right-handed hitters. Aside from Suzuki, the middle of Chicago’s lineup is filled with switch-hitters Ian Happ as well as left-handed bats Tucker and Michael Buschso Suzuki’s presence adds the much-needed right hand jab to that mix. Suzuki also has a no-trade clause, but his previously reported desire to avoid being a full-time DH could make the possibility of a trade that would make him L.A.’s regular right fielder an attractive option. Speculatively speaking, it’s possible the Dodgers could include a talented right-handed bat like Andy Pages in a package deal for Suzuki’s services to fill that gap, although six seasons of team control over Pages would be a high price to pay. Suzuki for two more seasons and will make $19 million in both 2025 and ’26 before hitting free agency.

Robert, meanwhile, certainly has the potential to match Hernandez’s offensive impact, but has yet to demonstrate consistency in the majors. The 27-year-old had the worst season of his career in 2024, when he hit just .224/.278/.379 (84 wRC+) at a 33.2% clip, but hit a much more palatable .287/. 331/.511 (129 wRC+) over the previous three seasons and is just one season removed from a 4.9 fWAR 2023 campaign. Robert pairs that volatile but potentially impactful bat with impressive speed (he has stolen 23 bases in just 100 games this year) and quality defense in center field. He’s also at a lot of injury risk, as 2024 was only the second time in his career that he played even 100 games due to a number of trips to the injured list over the years.

Rosenthal suggests that if the Dodgers were to give the talented but inconsistent Robert a chance, he would slot into Los Angeles’ center field. It’s unclear whether that would mean moving Mookie Betts go back to right fielder and play Tommy Edman at shortstop, or maybe a move to second base for Edman pushing Gavin Lux on the bench (or out of the team via trade) and leaves right field open for a combination of Andy Pages and James Outmann. Robert is guaranteed $17 million in the form of a $15 million salary and a $2 million buyout on a $20 million club option for 2026, but could be retained via club options through the end of the 2027 season if acquired. In terms of acquisition cost, it is possible that Robert is less expensive than Suzuki as Rosenthal reports that the White Sox do not expect to get more prospects in exchange for Robert, although they would like a “significant piece” in exchange for the All Stars.

Kim is somewhat unique as a potential target for multiple reasons. As a free agent, he wouldn’t cost the Dodgers anything but money, as opposed to a trade for Suzuki or Robert which would require some sort of player or prospect return headed in the opposite direction. He’s also an infielder who derives much of his value from being a plus defender all over the interior floor. That makes it a tough position for a Dodgers club already imagining itself juggling Betts, Lux and Miguel Rojas in the center. While the club could simply move Betts back to right field, it’s possible they would prefer to keep him in the dirt and play him alongside Kim with one at shortstop and the other at second base. That would leave Lux without a position, however, and would also leave a hole in the outfield left for infield options or another outfield addition.

Kim is also by far the weakest hitter of the three at the plate and an undeniable offensive downgrade from Hernandez. While Kim has made great strides at the plate after a lackluster rookie season, he’s still more or less a league-average hitter with a 101 wRC+ in 2024 and a .250/.336/.385 line (106 wRC+ ) overall since becoming a regular in 2022. It’s also worth noting that he appears to be placed on the injured list to start the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in September, although Rosenthal reports that he is targeting a return to the diamond “early” in the 2025 season. Even so, that would leave the Dodgers to use their in-house options to fill out the roster until Kim is ready to return to action .