Current negotiations between the Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez are reportedly at a standstill, as highlighted in a recent report by Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic. Both the Dodgers and Hernandez have expressed a strong desire for a reunion following a successful 2024 season that culminated in a World Series championship. However, earlier reports suggested that a significant “gap” in their negotiations still exists. This has led the Dodgers’ management to actively explore alternative right-handed hitters to potentially enhance their lineup. Among the names being considered are free agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, and White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr.. Despite these explorations, Rosenthal emphasizes that it remains unclear how serious the Dodgers are about pursuing these alternatives.

Of the three candidates mentioned, Seiya Suzuki might be the most suitable replacement for Hernandez from the Dodgers’ viewpoint. In the previous season, Suzuki delivered an impressive performance, batting .283/.366/.482 with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases across 132 games with the Chicago Cubs. Although his on-base percentage and power numbers differ from Hernandez’s, Suzuki’s 138 wRC+ slightly surpasses Hernandez’s 134. While both players are typically viewed as below-average defenders in a corner outfield role, either would significantly contribute a strong right-handed bat to the Dodgers’ lineup. This addition is particularly crucial for filling the outfield position not occupied by Michael Conforto, enhancing the team’s overall offensive strategy.

Acquiring Suzuki, however, poses its own challenges. Rosenthal notes that the Cubs are “not inclined” to trade Suzuki this winter. The Cubs entered the offseason with a crowded outfield situation, made more complex by the presence of both Suzuki and Cody Bellinger. This situation became further complicated with the acquisition of star right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros earlier this month. Following this, the Cubs traded Bellinger to the Yankees, leaving them in a similar predicament. With two right fielders still on the roster, Suzuki may be relegated to regular designated hitter duties. Despite this, the Cubs seem intent on retaining Suzuki, valuing his contributions as a talented hitter.

Rosenthal suggests that the Cubs recognize the difficulty of replacing Suzuki due to a limited market for impactful right-handed hitters. Besides Suzuki, Chicago’s lineup is primarily composed of switch-hitter Ian Happ along with left-handed hitters Tucker and Michael Busch, making Suzuki’s right-handed presence a vital asset. Additionally, Suzuki possesses a no-trade clause, but his previously expressed desire to avoid being a full-time designated hitter could make a trade to L.A., where he would be the regular right fielder, more appealing. Speculatively, the Dodgers might consider including a promising right-handed bat like Andy Pages in a trade package for Suzuki, although giving up six seasons of team control over Pages would be a significant loss. Suzuki is under contract for two more seasons, with a salary of $19MM in both 2025 and ’26 before hitting free agency.

As for Luis Robert Jr., he certainly has the potential to replicate Hernandez’s offensive output, but consistency has been a challenge for him at the major league level. The 27-year-old had a difficult 2024 season, posting a line of .224/.278/.379 (84 wRC+) and striking out 33.2% of the time. However, he previously demonstrated his capability, with a more respectable .287/.331/.511 (129 wRC+) over the three seasons prior and just one season removed from a stellar 4.9 fWAR campaign in 2023. Robert combines a potentially explosive bat with remarkable speed, stealing 23 bases in just 100 games this year, alongside solid defensive skills in center field. However, he does come with notable injury risks, as 2024 marked only the second time in his career that he played over 100 games.

If the Dodgers opt to take a chance on the inconsistent yet talented Robert, he would likely fill the center field position in Los Angeles. It remains uncertain whether this would require moving Mookie Betts back to right field, potentially playing Tommy Edman at shortstop or second base, which might push Gavin Lux to the bench or even lead to a trade. This scenario could leave right field open for a combination of Andy Pages and James Outman. Robert is guaranteed a total of $17MM, comprising a $15MM salary and a $2MM buyout on a $20MM club option for 2026. If acquired, Robert could be retained through club options until the end of the 2027 season. In terms of acquisition costs, it appears that Robert might be less expensive than Suzuki, as Rosenthal indicates the White Sox do not anticipate receiving multiple top prospects for Robert; however, they do expect a “meaningful piece” in return for the All-Star.

Ha-Seong Kim presents a unique option for the Dodgers for various reasons. As a free agent, acquiring him would require no player or prospect exchange, merely a financial commitment. Additionally, as an infielder, Kim brings significant value due to his defensive prowess across the infield. This versatility might complicate his fit on a Dodgers team that already involves juggling Betts, Lux, and Miguel Rojas in the middle infield. While the Dodgers could shift Betts back to right field, they might prefer to keep him on the infield, utilizing Kim at either shortstop or second base. However, this would leave Lux without a clear position and create a gap in the outfield that would need addressing through internal candidates or another external addition.

Offensively, Kim is the least potent hitter among the three options, representing a downgrade from Hernandez’s production. Although Kim has made significant strides at the plate since a lackluster rookie campaign, he remains an average hitter, evidenced by a 101 wRC+ in 2024 and a .250/.336/.385 (106 wRC+) line since becoming a regular in 2022. Furthermore, it’s important to consider that Kim is currently projected to start the season on the injured list after undergoing shoulder surgery in September. While Rosenthal notes that Kim is aiming for an “early” return in the 2025 season, the Dodgers might need to rely on their internal resources to fill the lineup in his absence.