"Fresh off their stunning signing of free-agent right fielder Kyle Tucker, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to keep Teoscar Hernández and move him to left field. Tucker is capable of playing left field, but he hasn't done so since the 2020 season. Last year with the Chicago Cubs, Tucker started 115 games in right field and 20 more as their designated hitter. Tucker won a Gold Glove in 2022 and though he isn't considered an elite defender, the 28-year-old should represent an improvement over Hernández."
"Last season, Hernández finished with -9 outs above average (OAA), placing him in the third percentile of defenders. He also posted -9 OAA while playing left field in 2024. The Dodgers moving Hernández to left field still can prove beneficial as some of his defensive limitations figure to be less costly, specifically with allowing a runner to take an extra base. But whether playing left or right field, Hernández's biggest contributions needs to come at the plate."
Teoscar Hernández signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 2024 and later re-signed for multiple years after a successful season. Hernández played all of the 2025 season in right field, producing several misplays and defensive lapses while receiving continued backing from manager Dave Roberts. The Dodgers acquired Kyle Tucker and plan to keep Hernández while shifting him to left field. Tucker has not played left since 2020 but is viewed as a defensive upgrade. Hernández posted -9 OAA last season (third percentile), and his primary value is expected to come from his offense after a .247/.284/.454 line with a 102 wRC+ while battling injury.
Read at Dodger Blue
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