The Dodgers just watched their bid for a third straight World Series title fall apart in the NLCS, getting swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in four games. With the sting of that finish still fresh, they’re already staring at a roster that looks mostly intact for 2027 - which is usually a plus, but also leaves room for a little reset.
One name that could move is Teoscar Hernandez. He’s owed more than $17 million in the final guaranteed year of his deal next season, with a club option for $15 million in 2028. If Los Angeles wants to shake things up and create a path for top prospect Josue De Paula to take over in left field, Hernandez becomes the obvious trade chip.
And there are a few places where a deal could make sense for everybody involved.
Toronto is one of them. The Blue Jays had some interest in bringing Hernandez back this past offseason after missing out on Kyle Tucker, according to a source told FanSided.
Hernandez spent six seasons in Toronto from 2017-2022 and developed there into an All-Star outfielder before the Blue Jays sent him to the Seattle Mariners after the 2022 season. The fit is easy to see: Toronto needs outfield help, and Hernandez could slot in as the left fielder while Nathan Lukes moves to center.
Houston also makes sense as a landing spot. Hernandez started his big league career with the Astros, though it was a brief run - just 42 games before Houston dealt him to the Blue Jays at the 2017 trade deadline for Francisco Liriano.
The Astros need to rebuild their outfield this winter, and right now Cam Smith is the only regular who can be confidently projected into their starting mix. Hernandez would give them a right-handed bat with some needed punch.
Then there’s the Yankees, who could use that same kind of right-handed power in a lineup that leans left. Cody Bellinger is currently in left field and Aaron Judge is in right, but Hernandez could give New York the option to shift Bellinger to center if offense becomes the priority over defense.
After the Yankees’ offense sputtered in the ALDS, when they were swept by the AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays, a move like this would fit the kind of roster changes they need to make ahead of 2027. Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone are staying in place, but the Yankees still have to upgrade the roster, and Hernandez would be a solid start.
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