Negotiations between the Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernández remain at a standstill, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Despite mutual interest in a reunion following a successful 2024 season that ended in a World Series title, earlier reports highlighted a “gap” between the two sides. That gap appears unresolved, as Rosenthal notes that the Dodgers are now “exploring” alternative right-handed bats for their lineup. Among the potential options listed are free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, and White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. However, Rosenthal adds that it’s unclear how serious the Dodgers are about pursuing these alternatives.
Of the three, Suzuki stands out as the most fitting replacement for Hernández. In 2024, Suzuki posted a .283/.366/.482 slash line with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases across 132 games for the Cubs. While his high on-base percentage and relatively lower power profile make him a slightly different offensive player than Hernández, Suzuki’s 138 wRC+ surpasses Hernández’s 134. Both are considered below-average defenders in corner outfield roles, but either would give the Dodgers a significant right-handed bat alongside Michael Conforto in the outfield.
Despite Suzuki’s suitability, acquiring him may be challenging. Rosenthal reports that the Cubs are “not inclined” to trade Suzuki this offseason. Although the team initially faced an outfield logjam with Suzuki and Cody Bellinger, the addition of Kyle Tucker from the Astros and Bellinger’s subsequent trade to the Yankees has resolved little. The Cubs now have two right fielders, with Suzuki expected to take on more designated hitter duties, but they appear committed to keeping him due to his importance as a right-handed power bat. Additionally, Suzuki’s no-trade clause and preference to avoid being a full-time DH could complicate any potential deal.
Rosenthal speculates that the Dodgers could include a valuable right-handed prospect like Andy Pages in a trade package to entice the Cubs, though giving up six years of control over Pages would be a significant cost. Suzuki, under contract for two more years at $19 million annually through 2026, offers limited team control compared to such prospects.
Ha-Seong Kim presents a different case. As a free agent, he would only cost the Dodgers financially, unlike Suzuki or Robert, who would require valuable trade assets. Kim’s primary value lies in his elite infield defense across multiple positions, which could complicate the Dodgers’ roster construction. Shifting Mookie Betts back to the outfield to accommodate Kim’s presence in the infield might resolve the issue, but it could leave Gavin Lux without a role and create an outfield void.
Offensively, Kim is the weakest of the three options. While he has shown growth since his underwhelming rookie season, his 2024 wRC+ of 101 and career line of .250/.336/.385 (106 wRC+) place him as a league-average hitter, a clear downgrade from Hernández. Adding to the complications, Kim is expected to miss the start of the 2025 season following shoulder surgery, leaving the Dodgers to rely on internal options until he returns.
Each option presents unique challenges, but the Dodgers must weigh these carefully if they cannot bridge the gap with Hernández.
