Dodgers Rumors: Update on Teoscar Hernández trade buzz should end saga

For much of the offseason, trade rumors have surrounded veteran slugger Teoscar Hernández after the 33-year-old outfielder put together a slightly disappointing 2025 campaign. At the same time, it's been well known that the Los Angeles Dodgers have been shopping for outfield upgrades, given that, even with Hernandez in tow, they have a need out on the grass.

Despite the Dodgers' insistence that they had no plans to trade Hernandez ahead of the Winter Meetings, many believed that was just posturing and that Los Angeles would move him for the right deal.

However, now it seems we can finally put those rumors to bed as a little nugget from Jon Heyman suggests the Dodgers are telling the truth and Hernández is not on the block. In the context of the New York Yankees' stalled pursuit of Cody Bellinger, Heyman reported that New York had turned its attention to the trade market, but made it seem like they had not engaged with the Dodgers about Hernández.

Given that the Yankees have a need in the outfield and would desperately like to add a right-handed bat to balance out their lefty-heavy lineup, you'd think a right-handed masher like Hernández on a short-term deal would be right up their alley. But of course, if Hernández isn't available, then there's no deal to be made.

Recent update should put an end to the Dodgers-Teoscar Hernández trade rumors

Truth be told, the trade buzz surrounding Hernández never made much sense. If the Dodgers are seriously pursuing Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, it makes little sense that they'd open another hole by discarding Hernández.

The 2024 Home Run Derby champ battled injuries in 2025, but still managed solid power production with 25 homers and a .207 ISO, even if his 102 wRC+ indicated a performance that was ever-so-slightly above league average. It's reasonable to believe he can bounce back and be even more effective in 2026.

Besides, trading Hernández while signing Tucker or Bellinger (highly doubtful that LA would sign both) would mean the club would still have a vacancy in the outfield.

Los Angeles is loaded with high-end outfield prospects, with Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Eduardo Quintero, and Mike Sirota all residing in the franchise's top five, but none in the quartet have risen above Double-A yet. While De Paula and/or Hope could arrive at some point in 2026, counting on one of them on Opening Day is a stretch for a team with eyes on a three-peat.

It more than likely one or more of those talented outfielders will be traded in some sort of blockbuster. If that were to happen, it would be more important than ever to hold on to Hernández.

It might seem like a little thing, but Heyman's update aligns with what the Dodgers have been saying all along. They have no serious interest in trading away Hernández, nor should they. Now we can finally put this to bed.