Dodgers Hot Stove Rumors: Los Angeles Could Pursue Three Right-Handed Players Instead of Teoscar Hernández
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for the 2024 MLB season, one of the most talked-about topics is their potential pursuit of outfielders and right-handed hitters. With free agency and trade rumors heating up, the Dodgers are looking to make moves that will strengthen their roster for another championship push. While Teoscar Hernández has been a name frequently mentioned in rumors, a prominent MLB insider suggests that the Dodgers may set their sights on three right-handed players instead, changing the direction of their offseason.
The Dodgers’ Needs and 2024 Outlook
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a season where they won the NL West Division for the 10th consecutive year but fell short in the playoffs. After a strong regular-season performance, their postseason run ended in disappointment with a premature exit in the NL Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Despite their dominant regular-season showing, the Dodgers are well aware that their roster needs some upgrades, particularly in the outfield and the middle of their lineup. The team’s primary objective this offseason is to shore up their offense, especially their right-handed hitting, which could use more balance to complement the left-handed hitters like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
For months, Teoscar Hernández, the 31-year-old outfielder coming off a solid year with the Seattle Mariners, has been a focal point of the Dodgers’ rumored offseason targets. Hernández is a right-handed power bat, which fits the Dodgers’ need for more thump in the lineup. However, an insider report suggests that Los Angeles might be focusing on three other right-handed hitters as alternatives to Hernández. These players bring different skill sets and could potentially provide the Dodgers with even more flexibility.
The Three Right-Handed Players in the Spotlight
- Joc Pederson (San Francisco Giants)
Joc Pederson, a former Dodger fan favorite, could be making his return to Los Angeles in 2024. Pederson, who spent the 2023 season with the San Francisco Giants, had a solid year, hitting 23 home runs and posting a .818 OPS. While he is known for his power against left-handed pitching, Pederson has become a more well-rounded hitter in recent seasons, especially when facing right-handed pitching.
What makes Pederson an intriguing option for the Dodgers is his familiarity with the team and the city. Pederson played for the Dodgers from 2014 to 2020, helping them win the 2020 World Series, and he has proven to be a key contributor in the postseason. Although he is not a full-time outfielder anymore, he can provide value in a platoon role, especially in the middle of the order.
Pederson’s left-handed bat would provide the Dodgers with some balance, complementing the right-handed hitters on the roster. Furthermore, his ability to perform in clutch situations and his proven postseason pedigree make him an appealing option as a low-risk, high-reward signing.
- Kike Hernández (Boston Red Sox)
Kike Hernández, who was traded from the Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox in 2021, is another familiar face that could make a return to Los Angeles. Although Hernández primarily plays the outfield and middle infield positions, he has the versatility the Dodgers covet, making him a potential key piece for their roster.
Hernández is coming off a down year offensively with the Red Sox, where he posted just a .216 batting average and a .692 OPS. However, his previous stint with the Dodgers was much more productive. In 2020, Hernández played an important role in the team’s World Series run, hitting for both power and average. His ability to play multiple positions—whether it be second base, shortstop, or outfield—gives the Dodgers more lineup flexibility and depth, which is a significant advantage over a player like Teoscar Hernández, who plays only the outfield.
While Kike’s bat was not as potent in Boston, his past success in Los Angeles and his ability to handle postseason pressure make him a candidate to bounce back in a familiar setting. If the Dodgers are looking for someone who can contribute both offensively and defensively, Kike Hernández could be the right fit.
- Nick Castellanos (Philadelphia Phillies)
Nick Castellanos is another right-handed hitter who could make an impact for the Dodgers. The 31-year-old outfielder is coming off a strong 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he posted a .271 batting average, 29 home runs, and a .854 OPS. Castellanos provides the Dodgers with a legitimate power threat, as he has been consistently hitting for both power and average in recent seasons.
One of the most appealing aspects of Castellanos’ game is his ability to hit right-handed pitchers. In 2023, Castellanos hit .275 with a .858 OPS against right-handed pitching, making him a strong candidate to bat in the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup. Additionally, Castellanos has the potential to be a difference-maker in the postseason, as shown by his clutch performances with the Phillies during their playoff runs in 2022 and 2023.
However, Castellanos comes with a hefty contract, as he is owed $80 million over the next four years. The Dodgers would likely need to work out a trade with the Phillies to make a deal happen, which could involve moving some of their own pieces. While Castellanos’ contract might be a financial commitment, his production at the plate and his experience in high-pressure situations would make him a valuable asset for the Dodgers, particularly as they look to build a well-rounded roster for 2024.
Why the Dodgers Might Move Away from Teoscar Hernández
Teoscar Hernández has been a popular target for the Dodgers, and there are several reasons why he might have been a good fit. A right-handed hitter with 30-plus home run potential, Hernández could add significant pop to the Dodgers’ lineup. His ability to slug against both lefties and righties makes him a potential cleanup hitter, which could balance the team’s offensive attack.
However, the Dodgers may have concerns that push them away from Hernández. His strikeout rate, which has consistently been higher than the league average, could make him a high-risk acquisition. Additionally, his defense in the outfield has been questioned, with some analysts suggesting that his arm strength and range have declined in recent years. In contrast, players like Pederson, Kike Hernández, and Castellanos provide more versatility, defensive flexibility, or a proven track record in high-leverage situations.
Moreover, the Dodgers may be looking for players who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and players like Pederson and Kike Hernández offer more of that two-way value. Castellanos, while more one-dimensional, is a pure slugger who could be an impactful middle-of-the-order bat.
