Three Possibilities for the Los Angeles Dodgers to Cover Teoscar Hernandez’s Absence: MLB Rumors
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced significant challenges in recent years, balancing their star-studded lineup with injuries and roster changes. The absence of a key player like Teoscar Hernandez only adds another layer of complexity to the Dodgers’ plans, but their track record of making smart roster moves suggests they’ll find a way to mitigate the loss. Hernandez’s power-hitting prowess and defensive reliability made him an essential part of the team, and his absence leaves a noticeable void in the lineup. However, the Dodgers are not without options to fill that gap.
As the team explores its options for covering Hernandez’s absence, a few routes are emerging, each with its own set of potential advantages and risks. In this analysis, we’ll dive into three possibilities that have been discussed in MLB rumors surrounding the Dodgers’ strategy for moving forward in the wake of Hernandez’s injury or departure.
1. Promoting an Internal Option from the Farm System
The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the most well-regarded farm systems in all of Major League Baseball. Their ability to develop homegrown talent has been a cornerstone of their success over the years. In the case of Teoscar Hernandez’s absence, one of the most plausible options for the Dodgers is to promote an internal player from their farm system who could step in and fill the role.
Potential Candidates:
- James Outman: Outman has already been a reliable contributor to the Dodgers at the MLB level. With his combination of power, speed, and solid defense, Outman could easily slide into the lineup and fill the spot vacated by Hernandez. His versatility in the outfield, paired with his ability to hit for both power and average, would make him a natural fit for the Dodgers’ needs. Outman’s strong 2023 campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he posted impressive offensive numbers, shows that he is ready for an extended role in the majors.
- Diego Cartaya: Although Cartaya is primarily known as a catcher, there have been rumblings that he could be transitioned into a corner outfield role, at least temporarily, to cover for an injured player. Cartaya is one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, and while his primary position remains behind the plate, his bat has been one of the most promising aspects of his game. If Cartaya were to make the jump, it would allow the Dodgers to utilize his strong hitting abilities, especially if Hernandez’s absence is prolonged.
- Miguel Vargas: Vargas, like Outman, has already gotten a taste of the big leagues. While he has played primarily in the infield, Vargas’ versatility could be a significant asset in filling outfield duties. His strong offensive profile, including a solid on-base percentage and decent power, makes him a viable candidate for covering Hernandez’s spot in the lineup. If the Dodgers decide to shift Vargas into the outfield, it could be a temporary move until a more permanent solution is found.
Pros of an Internal Promotion:
- Cost-Effective: Promoting from within the farm system is the most cost-effective option. Given the Dodgers’ payroll, this move could save the team significant financial resources, especially in comparison to signing a free agent or making a trade.
- Familiarity with the Organization: Internal options are familiar with the Dodgers’ culture, systems, and expectations. This familiarity can lead to smoother transitions and quicker adaptation.
- Long-Term Development: Giving younger players like Outman or Vargas consistent playing time could accelerate their development and help them grow into regular contributors to the team, benefiting the Dodgers in the long run.
Cons of an Internal Promotion:
- Uncertainty: While the Dodgers have strong prospects, there’s no guarantee that a young player will seamlessly transition into a major league role. The team would have to weigh the risks of giving more playing time to unproven players.
- Lack of Immediate Impact: The internal candidates may not immediately replace Hernandez’s production. Hernandez is a proven power hitter, and while players like Outman have upside, they may not hit the ground running in terms of power production and consistency.
2. Acquiring a Veteran via Trade or Free Agency
While the Dodgers have numerous internal options, they might prefer to pursue a more established solution by acquiring a veteran to cover Hernandez’s spot. This could come through a trade or a free-agent signing, with the team opting to bring in a proven major league player to provide stability and experience in the lineup.
Trade Targets:
- Bryan Reynolds (Pittsburgh Pirates): Reynolds is one of the most sought-after outfielders in baseball, and while acquiring him would come at a steep price, he could be a perfect fit for the Dodgers. Reynolds is a well-rounded player who can hit for both average and power, and he brings a level of experience that could help stabilize the Dodgers’ offense in the absence of Hernandez. The Pirates are rumored to be open to trading Reynolds, and the Dodgers have the prospect depth to make a trade work.
- Jackie Bradley Jr. (Boston Red Sox): While not a huge offensive threat, Bradley is known for his defensive prowess. In a scenario where the Dodgers need to cover Hernandez’s absence with a more defensive-minded player, Bradley would be a potential candidate. He could help provide some stability in the outfield and ensure that the Dodgers’ defense remains strong, especially if there’s concern about replacing Hernandez’s glove work in addition to his bat.
Free-Agent Signings:
- Adam Duvall: Duvall is a power-hitting outfielder who has had a rollercoaster career in terms of health and performance. When healthy, Duvall is capable of putting up big numbers in the power department. Given Hernandez’s role as a power hitter, Duvall could offer the Dodgers a similar offensive profile, though he would be a more volatile option due to his injury history and occasional inconsistency.
- Corey Dickerson: Dickerson is another free agent who could help fill the void in the Dodgers’ outfield. Known for his ability to hit for average and occasional power, Dickerson would provide a steady bat in the lineup. His defense in the outfield also remains reliable, which could ease the loss of Hernandez from a defensive perspective.
Pros of a Trade or Free-Agent Signing:
- Proven Talent: Acquiring a veteran player brings the immediate benefit of established, reliable production. The Dodgers wouldn’t need to rely on unproven prospects or potential development—they would have someone who has already proven themselves in the majors.
- Short-Term Stability: If the Dodgers are only looking for a temporary solution, acquiring a veteran could provide stability without committing to a long-term contract or development cycle. This could be important for the team if they feel the loss of Hernandez is a short-term issue.
- Playoff Experience: Veteran players often bring playoff experience, which could be valuable if the Dodgers are in the hunt for another World Series title.
Cons of a Trade or Free-Agent Signing:
- Costly: Acquiring a proven veteran could come with a hefty price tag in terms of prospects or payroll. The Dodgers would need to consider how much they are willing to invest in a temporary fix.
- Potential Disruption: Trading for a veteran could disrupt team chemistry or lead to organizational challenges, especially if the acquired player doesn’t perform as expected. A mismatch in team dynamics could be a concern.
3. A Strategic Role for Mookie Betts
The third potential option for the Dodgers is to utilize Mookie Betts in a more strategic or flexible role, shifting him into the outfield more regularly to cover for Hernandez’s absence. Betts is one of the best all-around players in baseball, and his versatility makes him a strong candidate to step into a more prominent role in the outfield.
Pros of Moving Betts to the Outfield:
- Elite Talent: Betts is a five-tool player who has shown he can excel in virtually every aspect of the game. His ability to hit for power, contact, and provide elite defense would help mitigate the loss of Hernandez both offensively and defensively.
- Depth in the Infield: With Betts moving to the outfield, the Dodgers would be able to explore more options in the infield, where they have a wealth of talent. This could allow them to shuffle players around and keep their lineup balanced and deep.
- Maximizing Betts’ Ability: In a temporary role, shifting Betts to the outfield allows him to continue playing at his highest level while giving the team a short-term solution. With Hernandez out, Betts could fill a similar role, albeit with his unique skill set.
Cons of Moving Betts to the Outfield:
- Disruption of Infield Balance: If Betts is moved to the outfield, the Dodgers may need to adjust their infield alignment, which could lead to inefficiencies or weaker overall defense in certain spots.
- Decreased Production in Other Areas: Betts is also an MVP-caliber player in the infield. Moving him to the outfield could potentially decrease his offensive production, particularly in terms of his impact in the leadoff spot
