The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as a frontrunner in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes. Over the weekend, MLB insider Jim Duquette reported the Dodgers and two other teams have met with the star outfielder.
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“A League source confirmed to me that the three main teams involved in the Tucker negotiations (Tor, LAD, NYM) have all met with the player, either in person or over Zoom, as part of the recruiting process for a star player,” Duquette wrote via X (formerly Twitter). “Will be interesting to see if any of the 3 teams increase their offers soon to separate themselves from the other.”
While Dodgers fans seem to be divided on whether the defending champions should sign Tucker, there’s one person in LA who could directly be impacted by the arrival of the Gold Glover: Teoscar Hernandez.
Hernandez is reportedly a trade candidate for the Dodgers this offseason. After an All-Star season with the Dodgers in 2024, the outfielder signed a three-year, $66 million deal to return to LA last winter.
While Hernandez’s value is with his bat, the outfielder struggled offensively last year as he averaged .247 with 25 home runs, 89 RBIs, with an OPS of .738. In 2024, Hernandez posted a .272 batting average with 33 home runs, 99 RBIs and an OPS of .840.
Moreover, the Dodgers shifted Hernandez to right field in 2025, and he ranked as one of the worst outfielders in MLB.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale explained how Tucker signing with the Dodgers could impact Hernandez; however, he ultimately believes the fan favorite remains with LA.
“I do, but they sign a guy like Tucker, then they say, ‘Wait minute. We have too many outfielders, we can move him.’ I think they’ll certainly listen and ask teams, ‘Hey who’s willing to give up what for him?’ He makes a lot of money too, so he doesn’t have that value that people think,” Nightengale told Doug McKain on Dodgers Dougout Live.
“My gut is that he stays put, but I’m sure they’re dangling him during the winter. Not that they’re trying to save money, but they could pay a big chunk off their payroll.”
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