The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been quiet on the free agency front thus far, could make a few headlines of their own as rumors swirl about who the reigning World Series champions could sign and who they could ship away.
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One player making a lot of headlines lately is right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, who the Dodgers are reportedly shopping during winter meetings. according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Hernandez, who cemented himself as the Dodgers’ playoff hero with 8 home runs, 25 RBI and a .254 batting average over the past two postseasons, is owed $26 million over the next two seasons. His departure could allow the Dodgers to be more flexible in landing a highly touted free agent.
However, the Dodgers think highly of the 33-year-old Hernandez and probably wouldn’t part with him unless he gets an eyebrow-raising offer. Hernandez has hit 25 or more home runs in each of the past six seasons, not including the shortened 2020 season, and is a beloved member of the clubhouse.
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However, Hernandez can be a liability on defense and ranked 33rd out of 36 players in Outs Above Average last season. The Dodgers, who are looking for upgrades in both the bullpen and outfield, could look to replace Hernandez with a more defensive player in right field.
With a payroll that seems limitless at times, the Dodgers will be linked to big-name outfielders like Kyle Tucker, although expectations remain that Tucker will sign a long-term deal elsewhere as the Dodgers are focused on signing short-term deals.
‘They’ll dip their toes in the water for Tucker, [Cody] Bellinger and [Edwin] Diaz, but they would rather grab outfielder Harrison Bader and [Robert] Suarez. The only way they can consider an expensive pickup is to trade Hernandez, who is owed $26.5 million.
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