Dodgers' Hernández looks to bounce back after tough 2025 season

The outfielder dropped 10 pounds in the offseason and is eager to prove his 2025 struggles were an anomaly.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Teoscar Hernández, the 33-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is looking to bounce back after the worst offensive season of his MLB career in 2025. Hernández spent the offseason in the Dominican Republic, cleaning up his diet and dropping 10 pounds back to his usual 204 pounds. The Dodgers moved him back to left field, where he spent most of the 2024 season, after signing Kyle Tucker to a megadeal. Hernández understands he didn't do a strong job of keeping his spot in right field, where his defense slipped along with his bat last year. He's eager to prove his 2025 struggles were more an anomaly than a concerning trend.

Why it matters

Hernández is a key part of the Dodgers' lineup and clubhouse, and the team values his production and leadership. After a down year in 2025, the Dodgers listened to trade offers for Hernández this offseason, but ultimately decided to keep him. His bounce-back performance will be crucial for the Dodgers as they look to repeat as World Series champions.

The details

Hernández dealt with a groin injury in 2025 that never really felt right, leading to his worst offensive season in the majors. He acknowledged he wasn't moving the way he knows he can. After the Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker, they moved Hernández back to left field, where he spent most of 2024. Hernández understands his defense slipped in right field, where he was one of the worst right fielders in Outs Above Average.

  • Hernández strained his groin in May 2025.
  • The Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a megadeal this offseason.
  • Hernández dropped 10 pounds this offseason while training in the Dominican Republic.

The players

Teoscar Hernández

A 33-year-old outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is looking to bounce back after a down year in 2025.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Andrew Friedman

The president of baseball operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kyle Tucker

An outfielder who the Dodgers signed to a megadeal this offseason.

Andy Pages

A rookie center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who Hernández has taken under his wing.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't moving the way I know I can move. The groin injury he dealt with last year never really felt right.”

— Teoscar Hernández (nytimes.com)

“I'm excited to see what Teo can do this year.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager (nytimes.com)

“Teams call and ask about different guys all the time. Some that get out there, some that don't. But we very much value clubhouse chemistry. It's not something that we would be willy-nilly about. I don't blame teams for asking. … But obviously it's not lost on us the importance he has, not just on the field but in the clubhouse as well.”

— Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations (nytimes.com)

“If winning is the most important thing then it doesn't matter the role, the position. Guys just buy in.”

— Dave Roberts, Manager (nytimes.com)

“We had some conversations, and I think the effort level really stepped up in a meaningful way, and so did the performance.”

— Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Dodgers will be closely monitoring Hernández's performance and effort level throughout spring training and the regular season as he looks to bounce back from his tough 2025 campaign.

The takeaway

Hernández's ability to return to form will be crucial for the Dodgers as they aim to repeat as World Series champions. His willingness to move positions and buy into the team's needs shows his commitment to winning, and the Dodgers are counting on him to regain his All-Star level production.