The Los Angeles Dodgers are a franchise known for their shrewd roster management, their strategic approach to player acquisitions, and their ability to make bold moves in the pursuit of World Series titles. As one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) over the last few decades, the Dodgers have an established history of nurturing star players and building championship-caliber teams. In recent years, however, there has been a noticeable trend in how they handle certain players, with prime examples being Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. While the Dodgers have succeeded in managing these marquee names effectively, it is crucial to recognize that they cannot treat someone like Teoscar Hernández the same way they treated Ohtani, Betts, or Freeman. Here’s why.
The Dodgers’ Approach to
Ohtani, Betts,
and Freeman
Before diving into why Teoscar Hernández’s case is different, it’s essential to understand the Dodgers’ approach to these three players, who represent some of the biggest names in baseball.
Shohei Ohtani was, and is, a unique case. When the Dodgers pursued Ohtani, they weren’t just signing a generational talent but acquiring a player who could simultaneously pitch and hit at an elite level. The Dodgers were well aware of Ohtani’s potential impact both on the field and off it, as his presence brought an international spotlight to whichever team he played for. While the Dodgers did not land Ohtani initially, they still represented a perfect match for his dual-role talent, with their resources and commitment to maximizing player potential. The Dodgers’ ability to treat Ohtani with respect for his uniqueness—allowing him to be a two-way player—showed their understanding of his value as more than just a regular player. They appreciated his rare skill set and treated him accordingly.
Mookie Betts was one of the Dodgers’ most significant trades in recent history. Acquiring Betts from the Boston Red Sox in 2020 was a game-changing move, as Betts was already an established superstar at the time, with an MVP award and multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors. Betts was seen as the missing piece for a championship-caliber team, and the Dodgers were quick to treat him as such. From day one, Betts was inserted into the heart of the lineup, where his elite bat and glove were immediately utilized. The Dodgers committed to him, knowing he would be the focal point of their offense for years to come.
Freddie Freeman, another superstar, was signed by the Dodgers in 2022 after his departure from the Atlanta Braves. Freeman’s reputation as one of the best all-around hitters in baseball made him a perfect fit for the Dodgers. Just like Betts, Freeman was treated as a cornerstone player. He was not just a complementary piece; Freeman was expected to lead the offense, playing a crucial role in securing victories and providing veteran leadership to the young core of the team. Freeman’s success with the Dodgers, culminating in a World Series title, showcased how the team’s strategy of investing in proven superstars pays off.
Teoscar Hernández: A Different Type of Player
In contrast to Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman, Teoscar Hernández presents a different profile. Hernández, while undeniably talented, does not possess the same level of recognition or the elite all-around skills of those three players. Teoscar is an excellent power hitter and a solid corner outfielder, but his overall value does not transcend the game in the way Ohtani’s does with his two-way ability, or the way Betts and Freeman impact their teams with their complete skill sets.
Hernández has been a productive player, particularly with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he established himself as a power-hitting force in the middle of their lineup. However, despite his strong offensive numbers, Hernández lacks the same level of consistency defensively or in other aspects of the game that make Betts and Freeman perennial MVP candidates. He is not a player who will dominate on both sides of the ball or elevate a team’s performance with his leadership the way Freeman or Betts can.
This means the Dodgers cannot treat Hernández the same way they treated Betts, Freeman, or Ohtani. The key difference lies in the expectations. Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman were immediately expected to lead the team in almost every facet of the game, whether it was defense, offense, or leadership. For Hernández, expectations should be more nuanced, and the Dodgers must approach his role differently.
The Right Approach for Teoscar Hernández
The Dodgers have a unique opportunity with Hernández, but it requires a tailored strategy. First and foremost, they must acknowledge that Hernández is not the kind of player to build an offense around in the same way they did with Betts and Freeman. His role would be better suited as part of a larger group of complementary hitters rather than the focal point. The Dodgers should focus on putting Hernández in positions where his strengths—particularly his power—can shine. Batting him in the middle of the lineup, but not necessarily as the centerpiece, would be ideal.
Furthermore, while Hernández has solid defensive skills, his defense does not compare to someone like Betts, who is often regarded as one of the best defenders in baseball. The Dodgers need to manage Hernández’s defensive opportunities carefully, positioning him in less-demanding roles, particularly if the Dodgers’ lineup is stacked with players who can cover for his occasional defensive shortcomings.
Additionally, Hernández is not the type of player who will lead the clubhouse with the same presence as Freeman or Betts. This means the Dodgers must rely on veteran leadership from other sources while positioning Hernández to focus on his role as a consistent power hitter. A strategic approach to his playing time, ensuring he gets enough rest to keep his bat fresh throughout the season, is another key component in the Dodgers’ handling of Hernández.
