The Phillies are already being pushed into the offseason conversation, and one name that keeps popping up as a possible fit is Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández.
Dayn Perry of CBS Sports included Hernández on his list of the Top 25 MLB trade candidates during the 2026-27 offseason, a group of players he believes could be dealt before Opening Day 2027. For Philadelphia, the appeal is obvious: the club is trying to strengthen its roster for another postseason run after reaching the playoffs last season as a Wild Card team and falling in three games to NL East rival the Atlanta Braves.
Outfield help stands out as a clear need. Bryce Harper returned to right field for the second half of the season, but the other postseason outfield options included Derek Hill, Bryan De La Cruz and Brandon Marsh. Adding a more proven bat out there would go a long way for a team trying to push deeper in 2027.
Hernández fits that profile. He’ll be entering his age-34 season, but he still brings a résumé that makes him easy to picture in Philadelphia. Last season with the Dodgers, he hit .267/.334/.425 in 125 games, with 16 homers, 18 doubles, 64 RBIs, 66 runs scored and a .759 OPS.
The postseason track record is part of the draw, too. Hernández has 11 homers, 32 RBIs and a .746 OPS in 175 career postseason at-bats, giving him the kind of October experience the Phillies would value if they’re trying to get over the hump.
Perry labeled Hernández a “bold possibility from contenders” on his list. He defined that group as, “Core contributors on teams with legit playoff/World Series aspirations who, despite those factors, still may be on the block for reasons of salary escalation, to fill roster needs elsewhere, or to make room for an incoming high-ceiling prospect.”
From the Dodgers’ side, the logic is different but just as clear. Los Angeles wants more runway for No. 1 prospect Josue De Paula, who got his first taste of the big leagues last season. With Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker also in the outfield, and the organization looking to get younger, faster and more athletic, Hernández could be the most movable piece.
His contract also matters. Hernández is owed $22 million in 2027, with a $15 million team option for 2028.
If he does end up on the move this winter, Philadelphia looks like a natural landing spot. The Phillies need outfield help, and Hernández’s mix of power and postseason experience makes him the kind of gamble they could decide is worth taking as they try to keep pace with the Braves.
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Morejn has been extended a qualifying offer by San Diego and has until November 17 to decide whether to take it or test free agency, which leaves the door open for a familiar rival to make a run at him. For the Dodgers, the appeal is obvious: pairing Morejn with Daz would give them another high-end bullpen look, while also turning a Padres weapon into part of the same late-inning mix that has long frustrated opponents in the National League West. [Read more 🡒]