Dodgers may trade their "Spanish teacher" Hernández; U.S. media highlights his defense as the biggest weakness

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández earned the nickname "Spanish teacher" from fans for helping teammate Shohei Ohtani learn Spanish. This core outfielder who contributed to the team's consecutive titles could now be available for trade. Reports from The Athletic indicate the Dodgers are weighing the option of trading the 33-year-old veteran.

Hernández delivered a solid performance in the 2024 season. As one of the lineup’s key players, he posted a .272 batting average, hit 33 home runs, and drove in 99 runs. After the season, he re-signed with the Dodgers as a free agent on a three-year, $66 million contract.

However, his offensive production declined this season, with his batting average dropping to .247, though he still managed 25 home runs and 89 RBIs. What truly concerns the Dodgers’ management is his outfield defense. His Outs Above Average (OAA) was as low as -9, ranking third from the bottom among outfielders with over 1,000 innings played. His defensive shortcomings are clear, and his careless approach to defense has frustrated Dodgers fans greatly.

The top free agent outfielder this year is Kyle Tucker. Given the overall aging outfield roster, making adjustments through trades has become one of the Dodgers’ likely options.