Dodgers Rumors: LA Interested In Former AL All-Star Outfielder
As the offseason gets going into full swing for the Dodgers, all sorts of rumors will be flying around. LA is going to be connected with many different players this winter, and it's important to pay attention closely to see who the team is interested in.
The latest rumors have the Dodgers potentially looking at a former American League All-Star to help fill a role. That would be former Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
Hernandez was not offered a qualifying offer by the Mariners this offseason, making it even more plausible for the Dodgers to go after him. He spent last season with Seattle after multiple years in Toronto, including his All-Star season in 2021.
Last year, Hernandez hit .258 with 26 home runs and 93 runs batted in. He posted a 2.1 WAR and a .741 OPS for the Mariners.
While he did have a down year in 2023, he isn't far removed from his All-Star campaign. In 2021, he hit .296 with 32 home runs and 116 runs batted in, so maybe he could replicate that type of production if he were to join the Dodgers being surrounded by their talent.
He is an above-average hitter, despite striking out a ton, and at times he has poor player discipline. Defensively Hernandez isn't a Gold Glove candidate, but he has gotten better over the years.
Hernandez could be a decent option for the Dodgers depending on what it would cost to land his services. He made $14 million last season with Seattle, so he could be looking for something in that range.
LA looks to be in the market for a corner outfielder this offseason, especially if they lose both David Peralta and Jason Heyward. Hernandez could help fill the role while giving the Dodgers a solid right-handed bat who can mash the ball.
The Dodgers could do worse than Hernandez, and it seems that they are intent on upgrading the roster this season. This will be something to monitor going forward, and maybe we see Hernandez wearing Dodger Blue next season.
