Dodgers Rumors: Latest on Teruaki Sato and Shoki Oda, Teoscar Hernández trade buzz

The Los Angeles Dodgers' quest to return to the World Series is already generating plenty of offseason speculation, and their latest rumored moves suggest the front office could be preparing for some significant roster changes.

From pursuing two of Japan's most intriguing talents to potentially parting ways with a familiar fan favorite, the Dodgers are once again positioning themselves at the center of baseball's offseason conversation.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are among several clubs interested in Japanese star Teruaki Sato, alongside the New York Yankees, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. The 27-year-old officially entered MLB's posting system on November 1 after a spectacular 2026 season with the Hanshin Tigers and captured Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League Triple Crown, batting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBI.

Sato primarily plays third base but has experience in the outfield, giving interested teams some positional flexibility. However, his fit in Los Angeles isn't necessarily straightforward. The Dodgers already have established veterans occupying several potential positions, and Sato's aggressive offensive approach raises questions about how his production will translate against MLB pitching. Then again, if Ke’Bryan Hayes qualifies as a major league third baseman, anything’s possible.

With MLB's collective bargaining agreement expiring December 1, a potential lockout could also accelerate negotiations. The Dodgers may have considerably less time than usual to make their pitch.

Dodgers facing stiff competition for Japanese pitching phenom Shoki Oda

While Sato represents an opportunity to improve immediately, 18-year-old right-hander Shoki Oda could be an investment in the Dodgers' future.

According to MLB reporter Francys Romero, the Dodgers are among several organizations expected to meet with Oda, joining an increasingly crowded pursuit that includes the Yankees and Phillies.

Oda has already attracted considerable attention after deciding to pursue opportunities in the United States rather than begin his professional career in Japan. His fastball has reached nearly 98 mph, and his impressive arsenal has made him one of the most intriguing international pitching prospects available.

Perhaps most encouraging for Los Angeles is that Oda reportedly considers Yoshinobu Yamamoto his favorite player, and the Dodgers are the only MLB organization he follows on Instagram. Still, those connections hardly guarantee his signature.

Oda has reportedly met with the Rangers, Mets and Phillies, with additional meetings expected. He could become eligible to sign when the international signing period opens January 15, provided the impending labor uncertainty doesn't interfere. The Dodgers have an obvious recruiting advantage, but they'll still have to earn this one.

Teoscar Hernández trade rumors gain momentum as Dodgers consider roster changes

Meanwhile, the Dodgers could be preparing to move on from one of their most recognizable offensive contributors.

ESPN's Buster Olney recently identified Hernández as Los Angeles' most obvious position-player trade candidate, citing his declining defense and the difficulty of accommodating him at designated hitter with Shohei Ohtani occupying that role.

Hernández hit .267/.334/.425 with 16 home runs across 125 games in 2026, a noticeable decline from his previous offensive production.

Former general manager Jim Bowden has also reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in potentially reuniting with Hernández. Sending him to the Blue Jays, a team that has a rabid fanbase in a country that is a growing power in the game of baseball, would fill a true need north of the border.

A trade would undoubtedly be difficult for Dodgers fans to accept, especially considering Hernández's contributions to the organization's recent championship success. But sentimentality doesn't always align with roster construction.

With younger outfielders pushing for opportunities and Hernández entering the final guaranteed season of his contract, the Dodgers have legitimate reasons to explore their options. And if Los Angeles is serious about getting younger while maintaining its championship expectations, moving Hernández could become one of the offseason's most consequential decisions.

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