Dave Roberts Announces Teoscar Hernandez Decision Amid Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 4:06 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 season with one of the most talented rosters in baseball. There is a reason they have won two straight World Series titles and are considered the favorites to win a third.

Even with all that star power, the team still had weaknesses last year, and one of the most noticeable issues came in the corner outfield. That concern led to the offseason signing of Kyle Tucker, but the position only became a problem because of Teoscar Hernandez’s inconsistent play.

Hernandez finished the 2025 season with a .247 batting average, .284 on‑base percentage, .738 OPS, 25 home runs and 84 RBIs across 134 games. Those numbers were not terrible, and he remained an above‑average hitter, but his defensive struggles made him a liability at times.

Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37)Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

That combination pushed the Dodgers to explore upgrades, and his name surfaced in trade rumors throughout the winter. It became clear that 2026 would be an important year for his future with the organization.

As spring training continues, Hernandez understands he has something to prove. If he repeats his 2025 performance, this will likely be his final season in Los Angeles. He is approaching camp with urgency and has made it clear he wants to improve.

According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, Hernandez asked manager Dave Roberts for additional playing time this spring. Roberts decided to place him back in the starting lineup on Tuesday for the Dodgers’ Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians.

Freddie Freeman makes his Cactus League debut today against CLE. Kyle Tucker, Will Smith, Miggy Ro also back in the lineup. Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages wanted more starts early in camp, Dave Roberts said, so they’re in as well.
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 24, 2026

This is significant because it shows Hernandez is taking initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to come to him. Extra reps give him a chance to sharpen his timing, work on his defense and show the coaching staff he is committed to earning his role. For a veteran fighting to reestablish his value on a championship contender, that effort matters.

The Dodgers hope these added chances help Hernandez rediscover the form he showed in 2024. That season, he signed a one‑year prove‑it deal and delivered one of the best years of his career.

He became an All‑Star, won the Home Run Derby, earned a Silver Slugger and even received National League MVP votes. His performance helped fuel a championship run and earned him a three‑year, $66 million contract.

If Hernandez can get anywhere close to that level again, the most intimidating team in baseball becomes even more dangerous.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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