NEW YORK — The Yankees have explored multiple backup plans as talks with Cody Bellinger remain stalled. One name has quietly surfaced from an unexpected source. That name belongs to a two-time World Series champion.
The Dodgers have reportedly made outfielder Teoscar Hernandez available on the trade market. Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned the veteran slugger among possible alternatives for the Yankees. The connection has sparked intrigue in the Bronx.
Could the Yankees pivot from one Dodgers connection to another? The possibility exists if Bellinger signs elsewhere.
Heyman names Hernandez among Yankees alternatives
The Bellinger stalemate has forced the Yankees to examine other options. Brian Cashman cannot wait forever. Spring training opens in roughly a month.
Heyman listed several players the Yankees have discussed. Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner appeared prominently. White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. generated buzz. Then came Hernandez, tied to earlier reports that the Dodgers were shopping him.
The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya connected the dots between Hernandez’s availability and the broader free agent market.
“I’d imagine if the Dodgers do wind up moving Hernandez, it would be around the time that the likes of Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger and others start to come off the board,” Ardaya wrote. “Teams that miss out on those stars could pivot to Hernandez.”
That description fits the Yankees perfectly if Bellinger goes elsewhere.
Dodgers confirm Hernandez trade discussions
Bob Nightengale of USA Today intensified the speculation at the Winter Meetings. He reported that the Dodgers were actively shopping Hernandez. The news surprised many given the outfielder’s role in back-to-back championship runs.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the rumors while expressing support for his player.
“Right now, he’s our right fielder,” Roberts said at the Winter Meetings.
General manager Brandon Gomes took a firmer stance but left the door open.
“That doesn’t feel likely,” Gomes said. “Obviously, you can never say never on those types of things, but Teo, I know that’s come up. That’s not something we anticipate at all.”
The Dodgers continue to “kick the tires” on a potential trade despite those public statements.
Hernandez brings championship experience and power
The 33-year-old Dominican slugger offers a proven track record. He won back-to-back World Series titles with Los Angeles in 2024 and 2025. He captured the 2024 Home Run Derby crown. He earned All-Star selections in 2021 and 2024.
His 2025 numbers showed a decline from his stellar 2024 campaign. He slashed .247/.284/.454 with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs in 134 games. His on-base percentage dropped 55 points from the previous season. He walked just 26 times in 546 plate appearances.
Defense proved problematic. Hernandez ranked in the sixth percentile for fielding run value. His defensive struggles in right field became a focal point during a late August series in Colorado.
The postseason told a different story. Hernandez hit five home runs during the playoff run. He delivered clutch moments when they mattered most. That October pedigree appeals to any contender.
Contract details complicate potential trade
Hernandez signed a three-year, $66 million contract with Los Angeles last January. The deal included a $23 million signing bonus and $23.5 million in deferred salary. A $15 million team option for 2028 could push the total value to $81 million.
He has two years and more than $46 million remaining on his deal, excluding deferred money. Any acquiring team would need to absorb that commitment.
The Yankees have payroll flexibility concerns of their own. Adding another significant salary would complicate their luxury tax situation. But the price would be lower than Bellinger’s reported demands of seven years and more than $200 million.
Bellinger comparison reveals trade-offs
Bellinger outperformed Hernandez in 2025 by most measures. He hit .272/.334/.480 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs for the Yankees. His defense drew consistent praise. His versatility allows him to play all three outfield positions and first base.
Hernandez offers right-handed power. Bellinger bats left. The Yankees lineup already leans heavily toward left-handed hitters with Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe. Adding Hernandez would provide better balance against southpaw pitchers.
Both players are 30 or older. Both carry risk. But a trade for Hernandez would cost prospects rather than years of guaranteed money. That structure might appeal to ownership.
Other teams monitoring Hernandez situation
The Yankees are not alone in their interest. The Kansas City Royals have shown consistent engagement with the Dodgers on a potential Hernandez deal. Kansas City has prioritized adding outfield bats this winter.
Competition for Hernandez would drive up the prospect cost. The Yankees possess pitching depth in their farm system. Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez have drawn attention from multiple clubs. Either could headline a package.
The timing remains uncertain. Bellinger could still sign with the Yankees if either side budges. The Dodgers might keep Hernandez and move him to left field instead. Nothing is guaranteed in January.
But the connection exists. The Yankees have explored it. And if Bellinger slips away, Teoscar Hernandez might become more than just a fallback option.
What do you think?
