In a previous offseason discussion, we explored the possibility of the Dodgers going after Tesocar Hernández, a move that depended on the potential exit of J.D. Martínez and the arrival of Shohei Ohtani. As anticipated, both scenarios unfolded as expected.
In 2023, the offense was highly talented, and the front office made significant acquisitions to strengthen the team. Therefore, it is an opportune moment to analyze the potential winners and losers among the players at the lower end of the lineups, considering those who may have reduced playing time due to Hernández’s arrival.
To begin, in a preliminary attempt to predict the configuration of the lineup, here is a rough outline of the Dodgers’ offensive lineup in 2024:
Mookie Betts will be playing second base, Freddie Freeman at first base, Shohei Ohtani as designated hitter, Will Smith as catcher, Max Muncy manning third base, Teoscar Hernández in left field, James Outman in center field, and either Jason Heyward, Chris Taylor, or Manuel Margot in right field. The shortstop position will be manned by either Gavin Lux or Miguel Rojas.
One clear point to be made is that, despite being primarily signed for his skill in hitting left-handed pitchers, Teoscar Hernández will consistently be given playing time due to his impressive overall performance. Consequently, this will result in a reduction of at-bats for certain players in the current lineup.
The addition of Hernández to the team further emphasizes that Betts will likely play second base regularly in 2024, as indicated by last season’s trends and Dave Roberts’ comments. Knowing this, it becomes hard to ignore the possibility that Chris Taylor may not have a starting role.
Taylor’s versatility guarantees that he will have ample opportunities to contribute throughout the entire season, as he can fill in at various positions. However, if the team is fully healthy, he will have to compete with Manuel Margot to be part of a platoon with Jason Heyward in right field.
Taylor has a greater potential as a hitter compared to Margot. Nonetheless, Margot has demonstrated impressive performance outside of Tampa with an OPS of .770 or higher in the last two years. We have witnessed other hitters like Willy Adames thrive after leaving Tropicana Field as well. Additionally, Margot surpasses Taylor in terms of defensive skills, which is especially crucial given the absence of Betts’ exceptional work in right field.
It is highly likely that either of the options will receive the majority of opportunities against left-handed pitchers. However, as long as Heyward continues to perform well on offense and defense, Margot and Taylor will have limited opportunities to compete for playing time.
Additionally, the signing of Hernández further reduces Taylor’s role and makes it unlikely for both David Peralta and Kiké Hernandez to return. Even though Peralta underwent elbow surgery in October, they are both talented players who will likely find bigger roles with other teams.
Is it unlikely that one of them will come back? Most likely not, but it would require a significant compromise and there are no guarantees of regular playing time.
Every season has unforeseen circumstances that can affect the team. If any non-catcher gets injured, Taylor would have to take on a bigger role. For example, if Freddie Freeman is out, the team could move Muncy to first base and who else but Taylor has experience playing third base as one of the main options?
If Gavin Lux continues his previous performance without any issues, it is assumed that he will be the primary choice for shortstop. However, if Lux faces difficulties due to his recent injury, Chris Taylor may also be considered for the role. Although Taylor’s performance over the past two seasons suggests that the Dodgers should not depend on him as a regular starter, his versatility is invaluable, making him an important asset even in the current lineup.
The Dodgers will have 12 position players signed in 2024 with the addition of Hernández, and they also have James Outman, who had an impressive rookie season. This means that there is no place for Miguel Vargas on the active roster for now, but if he performs well in Triple-A, he could earn a spot in the majors. Michael Busch was in a similar situation before being traded to the Cubs. It is worth mentioning that Hernández has primarily played in right field, but considering Dodger Stadium’s symmetrical dimensions, it is possible for him to shift to left field so that Jason Heyward can continue to feel comfortable and perform at an elite level in right field.
It is not very important which corner outfield position Hernández will play, as what really matters is how he performs at the plate. The main reason why the former Mariner was acquired is for his batting abilities.
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