Dodgers Hot Stove Rumors: MLB insider predicts 3 right-handed stars as potential targets for Los Angeles instead of Teoscar Hernández
Teoscar Hernandez was supposed to be back with the Los Angeles Dodgers by now. The free-agent outfielder was rumored to be close to an agreement with his former team weeks ago, but the negotiations remain at an impasse.
With talks currently held up, other teams could swoop in and try to land him as one of the top remaining free agents on the market. In that case, the Dodgers have reportedly already begun looking into alternative options.
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported on Saturday that the Dodgers are looking into three players: free agent Ha-Seong Kim, Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, and Chicago White Sox star Luis Robert Jr.
Naturally, Robert and Suzuki would fit in the outfield to replace Hernandez, although Suzuki has been pegged as a future DH due to his lackluster defensive metrics.
Kim is the most intriguing option, as he could play any infield position. The Dodgers are reportedly looking at Mookie Betts as their primary shortstop in 2025, but adding Kim would fill that hole and allow Betts to return to right field, his best position.
Kim would be the easiest addition, as he's a free agent who hasn't had much attention so far. Trading for Robert would likely cost a lot of prospects. Suzuki would, too, but to a lesser degree.
What's the holdup with Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers?
Teoscar Hernandez turned in an All-Star level season for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. He hit 33 home runs in the regular season and won the Home Run Derby. He was good in the postseason en route to the team's first full-season title since the 1980s.
Hernandez signed a one-year, $23 million deal with the Dodgers last offseason, and he played well. Now, reports are that he's looking for a three-year contract for $66 and $72 million.
Per Rosenthal, the length isn't an issue despite Hernandez being 32 years old. The money is the primary holdup. Hernandez's AAV last year was $23 million, and his AAV under the new deal would be at most $24 million.
That's not much more after he put in a good season, so it's rather curious that the Dodgers, who've shown no hesitation to spend in the past, are so hesitant now.