Dodgers Rumors: Luis Robert Jr. Trade, More Considered Amid Teoscar Hernández Buzz
December 21, 2024
Ongoing free agency negotiations with outfielder Teoscar Hernández have reportedly led the Los Angeles Dodgers to consider potentially trading for his replacement.
The Dodgers have reportedly considered deals for Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. or Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Los Angeles has also talked about pursuing former San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim in free agency, according to Rosenthal.
The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly competing with the Dodgers to sign Hernández. He is seeking a three-year deal worth around $22 to $24 million per season, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
The Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds have also been tied to Hernández by MLB insider Héctor Gómez.
After playing a key role in the Dodgers' run to the World Series, Hernández is likely looking to cash in on something longer-term than the one-year deal he inked in Los Angeles last season.
ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported on Dec. 8 that the Dodgers had "been in negotiations for the past few weeks but have been unable to bridge the gap."
The two parties have yet to reach a resolution two weeks later, and the Dodgers will likely need some right-handed batting help if he heads elsewhere.
Robert, who earned an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger Award for his 2023 campaign with the White Sox, saw his production dip to career lows as he struggled with a hip flexor injury last season.
The Dodgers could hope Robert will be able to recover to the form that saw him tie for the White Sox lead with 80 RBI two seasons ago.
Suzuki holds a full no-trade clause, so he has a say in whether or not he would be heading to Los Angeles in a potential trade.
He reportedly doesn't want to stick with the DH position he assumed for the end of the 2024 season (h/t Jordan Bastian), so being offered a spot in the Dodgers outfield could be enough to draw him to California.
Kim declined his side of an $8 million mutual option to become a free agent this offseason after earning a Golden Glove Award in 2023. He underwent shoulder surgery in September and could miss the start of the 2025 season, but would add strong defense to the outfield when he returns.
Whether the Dodgers pursue any of these potential deals could hinge on Hernández's decision. The outfielder has previously said he wants to remain in Los Angeles if he can work out a deal with the reigning World Series champs.