The Unimaginable: A Dodgers Lineup without Their Home Run Derby Champion

The Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez seemed like a perfect match. After all, they won a World Series together. Frankly, they couldn’t have done without each other. A reunion seemed like a foregone conclusion—however, Ken Rosenthal of Athletic reports. A gap between the two sides remains. Whether the differences are the number of years or the amount of money, negotiations are at a standstill. Should Hernandez choose another team in 2025, what options do the Dodgers have to fill the void? Rosenthal floated three names, and there are a few more to consider.

Potential Impact of Home Run Derby Champs Possible Departure from Dodgers

Seiya Suzuki

Seiya Suzuki could fit and was rumored to be on the trading block. He had a .283 batting average last year with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases. He would balance the heavy left-hand hitting lineup that Los Angeles possesses. He has a similar offensive output to Hernandez. Although his power is low, Suzuki is a better contact hitter and has a better on-base percentage. Both have suspect glove work at times.

Suzuki is under team control, so the Dodgers would have to give something to get something. The Cubs traded Cody Bellinger and acquired Kyle Tucker in different trades. Would they ask for another right-hand hitting outfielder like Andy Pages, who is under team control, or a starting pitcher who would add to their rotations?

Would Los Angeles be willing to part with Andy Pages or starter Bobby Miller?

Luis Robert

Rumor is that Luis Robert is going to be in a new uniform before Spring Training. The White Sox centerfielder struggled in 2024 as he hit .224 and struck out in a third of his at-bats. However, Robert hit closer to .290 in the years prior to 2024. Robert plays exceptional defense but is injury prone. The Dodgers would also have to trade for him, but Robert would likely cost less in prospect capital than Suzuki would; but would Los Angeles take the chance? The last time they traded with the White Sox, they garnered a high-leverage reliever who helped them win a World Series. Will they try their luck again?

Anthony Santander

Anthony Santander is a free agent. All he would need is money, and the Dodgers have plenty of it. However, the outfielder is looking for a five-year deal with a new club, and the Dodgers are very stingy with long-term contracts. Santander did have 44 home runs. But he has streaks in which he struggles to make contact, is not fleet of foot, and plays below-average defense.

Ha-Seong Kim

Ha-Seong Kim is also a free agent who can play the outfield but is more at home on the infield. Kim primarily plays shortstop. The Dodgers have a shortstop…at least for now, in Mookie Betts. If the Dodgers were to sign Kim, where would he play? No doubt signing Kim would give the Dodgers increased versatility; however, the outfielder-infielder has a .250 batting average, and the offense could take a bit of a hit.

In-House Solutions

The Dodgers aren’t totally bereft of organizational talent, either. James Outman, Andy Pages, and Dalton Rushing could all split time with Michael Conforto in the corner spots. Los Angeles could see what happened and then make a change if it deemed it necessary.