The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering the offseason looking to retool in hopes of capturing a third straight World Series title in 2026. The organization has long been building a dynasty, but there is a clear need for a corner outfielder heading into next year.

A major reason for that need is the disappointing season from Teoscar Hernandez in 2025. The 33-year-old veteran signed a three-year, $66 million contract last offseason, per Spotrac, but struggled to produce at the level Los Angeles expected.

Hernandez posted a .247 batting average, .284 on-base percentage and .738 OPS with 25 home runs and 89 RBIs across 134 games.

Defensively, he graded out among the worst outfielders in the league, recording a fielding run value of -9, which ranked 129th out of 137 qualified outfielders according to Statcast’s Baseball Savant.

As a result, the Dodgers were reported to be listening to trade offers for Hernandez last week, though a deal was considered unlikely. However, on Sunday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Los Angeles is actively shopping the veteran outfielder.

“The Dodgers are shopping outfielder Teoscar Hernandez,” Nightengale wrote. He noted that if the team is able to move on from Hernandez’s contract, it would free up payroll flexibility to pursue players they have been linked to throughout the offseason, including free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger.

Nightengale added, “The Dodgers will be thrown into every single rumor because of their massive payroll, and they do have $80 million coming off the books, but the reality is that they won’t be involved in the bidding war for any of the biggest stars. Oh, they’ll dip their toes in the water for [outfielder Kyle] Tucker, Bellinger and [closer Edwin Diaz], but they would prefer to grab outfielder Harrison Bader and [closer Robert] Suarez. The only way they may consider making an expensive pickup is if they trade Hernandez, who’s owed $26.5 million.”

Welcome to MLB's winter meetings: Free agent and trade rumors fly in Orlando https://t.co/LzldIjyY7D

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 7, 2025

Bellinger’s name naturally stands out as a potential reunion candidate. He debuted for the Dodgers in 2017 and immediately made an impact, winning National League Rookie of the Year. Just two seasons later, he captured the NL MVP award in 2019, cementing himself as one of the franchise’s brightest stars, and was a key member of the 2020 World Series title team.

Over six years in Los Angeles, Bellinger earned two All-Star selections and delivered several memorable postseason moments, including clutch home runs and highlight-reel plays in the field.

Yet his tenure ultimately ended on a sour note, as inconsistency at the plate led the Dodgers to move on after the 2022 season. Even so, his defensive excellence has never been in question. He ranks 12th among outfielders with a +9 fielding run value, according to Baseball Savant.

Bellinger remains one of the premier outfield gloves in the game, capable of stabilizing a corner spot while also providing versatility in center. Given the Dodgers’ current need for a reliable defender and the familiarity he already has with the organization, his fit is nearly perfect. A reunion would not only address a glaring hole but also bring back a player whose skill set aligns seamlessly with the team’s championship aspirations.

Whether or not a reunion with Bellinger materializes, the Dodgers’ willingness to shop Hernandez underscores just how urgent it is for Los Angeles to upgrade its corner outfield production heading into 2026.