Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez could be the answer to one Tigers' biggest offseason needs

The 2026-27 free agent class is a bleak one, which is more than enough excuse for Scott Harris and Chris Ilitch to keep the Tigers' spending to a minimum. Detroit does have needs, but outside of one or two relievers (hopefully), fans shouldn't expect much movement on the open market.

The trade front could be a different story. Of course, it's a trickier market to traverse, but it enables the Tigers — or any penny-pinching team, really — to be more selective about the amount of money they take on.

The Dodgers' Teoscar Hernández is a potential trade candidate this offseason. LA's No. 1 prospect, Josue De Paula, will be getting more run in left field in 2027, making Hernández that much more expendable. There was interest last year, too, with the Royals emerging as a destination before the Dodgers ultimately decided to hang onto him.

Hernández is owed $17.34 million in 2027, with a $15 million club option for 2028. He hasn't lived up to the three-year contract the Dodgers gave him after his resurgent 2024 on a prove-it deal, but that may mean they'd be willing to sell low.

Tigers should target outfielder Teoscar Hernández if Dodgers make him available via trade

The Tigers' outfield picture is looking mighty crowded, but there's certainly an argument to be made that Brett Callahan needs some more time to develop and that Kerry Carpenter has overstayed his welcome on the roster. Although Harris hates blocking prospects, Hernández's expiring deal could allow them to use him as a one-year bridge, while reaping the benefits of his bat's 25+ homer potential.

Hernández has played 20 games at Comerica Park in his career, and he's hit very well there: .325 average, .890 OPS, three homers, and 11 RBI.

There will certainly be concerns about his age, and the way his power dipped in 2026 (25 homers in 2025, 16 in 2026). He strikes out a lot and doesn't play great defense. But if we're looking at Hernández against, say, Carpenter, who is constantly hurt, also doesn't play great defense, and who the Tigers still don't trust in a full-time role ... who would you take?

The Dodgers, who should be looking for any opportunity to field a younger team next year, don't need Hernández in 2027. The Tigers have lower-ranked prospects who could be expendable, and trading for Hernández could at least slightly satiate fans' desire to see this team do something.

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