The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2024 but may not be able to retain all of their key contributors for 2025. They could replace one of their departing free agents with an All-Star through a trade.
The Dodgers have not yet reached an agreement with Teoscar Hernández. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya noted that the team could turn to Luis Robert Jr. to replace him in the outfield.
“I wonder if the Dodgers’ pivot goes more toward a corner outfielder on a one-year deal or a trade market that still includes intriguing outfield names even after Kyle Tucker and former Dodger Cody Bellinger came off the board,” wrote Ardaya. “Depending on how the Dodgers value Luis Robert, he might answer some questions for them in center field, too.”
Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger would have been high-risk moves for the Dodgers. Bellinger’s contract is not great and Tucker will hit free agency in a year. Robert signed a six-year, $50 million deal before he even made his debut. He is due $15 million next season and has club options of $20 million for the next two seasons.
He was an All-Star in 2023 and played in 145 games. He hit 38 home runs with a 130 OPS+ that season. Last season he played in just 100 games and hit for a .224 average. However, playing for the historically bad Chicago White Sox could have played a role in that. Robert could give the Dodgers a great hitter, and if he bounces back they could have him back for $20 million.
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