Dodgers reportedly exploring trade for $66M 2-time World Series champion, 3-time Silver Slugger

Hunter Cookston

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Dodgers reportedly exploring trade for $66M 2-time World Series champion, 3-time Silver Slugger image

The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off back-to-back World Series championships, something that hasn’t happened in quite some time. After falling behind 3-2 to the Toronto Blue Jays, they managed to win the next two games. Now, they’re widely considered a dynasty as their hot streak continues.

“The Dodgers have officially established themselves as a dynasty in MLB. 3 World Series in 6 years. 5 World Series appearances in 9 years. 12 NL West titles in 13 years. First back-to-back World Series champion in 25 years. Next year, they go for the three-peat,” Dodgers Nation’s Noah Camras wrote.

Not only did the Dodgers win the World Series in each of the past two seasons, but they did so while struggling mightily at the plate. Their team batting average was barely over.200, which usually isn’t a formula for October success.

“The Dodgers batted.203 in the World Series, the worst mark by a champion since 1966. Over the last 2 seasons, they have batted a combined.204 in the World Series and won both years,” ESPN’s Jesse Rogers wrote.

With the winter meetings on the horizon, Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernández has been rumored as a potential trade candidate. This comes after his defensive performance took a noticeable step back.

“An interesting possibility has surfaced for the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers: A trade of right fielder Teoscar Hernández,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote. “Hernández’s name is coming up in trade conversations, according to league sources. The Dodgers view a deal as unlikely, but the idea of it, at least, is not without logic. While Hernández has hit eight home runs with a combined.780 OPS the past two postseasons, he is also a big reason the Dodgers’ outfield defense ranked only 18th in Outs Above Average during the regular season.”

Hernández’s name wasn’t on many bingo cards as a trade candidate heading into the offseason, but the Dodgers could be weighing a bigger move. His bat remains a strength, but his defense does not.

The Dodgers are well-positioned to pursue their third straight World Series title, but this spring, they may do so without Hernández. Mookie Betts could move back to right field, they could explore internal shuffling, or they could pursue a top free agent who also plays right field.

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