MLB Rumors: Dodgers To Trade Teoscar Hernandez?

The Los Angeles Dodgers can add Kyle Tucker to the outfield and still keep Teoscar Hernandez, and that now looks like the most likely outcome despite early winter trade noise. 

Multiple reports say the plan is to slide Hernandez to left field while Tucker stays in right, keeping a proven bat in the lineup as the Dodgers chase another title.

The Dodgers are expected to keep Teoscar Hernández and move him to LF, per @Ken_Rosenthal

Rosenthal added that the Dodgers are more likely to explore trades for Ryan Ward and Bobby Miller. pic.twitter.com/stf0fA9y8F

— SleeperDodgers (@SleeperDodgers) January 17, 2026

The reason Hernandez’s name even popped up is pretty simple roster math. 

Tucker’s four year, $240 million deal created a natural “someone has to move” conversation, but the Dodgers appear to value stability and depth more than squeezing out luxury tax room. 

Hernandez is coming off a 2025 season where he hit 25 homers with a .247 average and .738 OPS, and the club seems comfortable betting he can rebound offensively again at age 33 even if the defense is not the selling point.

The Dodgers are exploring trades of Bobby Miller and Ryan Ward to open up a 40-man spot for Kyle Tucker.

Teoscar Hernandez will be moved to left field per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/mZ07YcLlUa

— The Incline: Dodgers Podcast (@TheInclinePod) January 17, 2026

If Los Angeles does look to shuffle pieces, the talk is trending toward moving other names instead of forcing a Hernandez deal. 

Reports have pointed to the Dodgers being more open to exploring trades involving right hander Bobby Miller or outfielder Ryan Ward, rather than moving Hernandez one year into a three year, $66 million contract that includes significant deferrals. 

For now, it looks like the Dodgers will keep the veteran, adjust his spot on the grass, and roll into 2026 with Tucker plus Hernandez as a power-heavy corner duo. 

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images