The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly been trying to bring outfielder Teoscar Hernández back to Los Angeles this offseason. Hernández had a very successful 2024 season with the Dodgers, capping it off with a World Series victory.
But Los Angeles hasn't agreed to a deal with the star outfielder yet. This has led many to believe a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, or Cincinnati Reds could swoop in and steal him.
As a pivot, the Dodgers could look to swing a blockbuster trade for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
Here's a deal that would send Robert to the Dodgers:
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: OF Luis Robert Jr.
- Chicago White Sox receive: RHP Bobby Miller, SS Joendry Vargas (No. 7 prospect), OF Kendall George (No. 13 prospect)
This trade begins with Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller, who sits in a tough spot in Los Angeles. Miller has immense talent, but following a down year in 2024 (8.52 ERA in 56 innings), he doesn't have a clear path to starting with Los Angeles. Miller still has a lot of talent. Chicago is rumored to be interested in young position players as a return for Robert, but Miller will suffice as the headliner here.
Joendry Vargas is a 6-foot-4, 19-year-old shortstop prospect with incredible raw tools. He's destroyed rookie ball so far, posting a .928 OPS in 86 career games. His talent and potential are off the charts.
Kendall George, 20, has elite speed and athleticism. MLB Pipeline grades him as an 80-grade runner, the top rating on their 20-80 grade scale. At worst, George projects as a defensive wizard in the outfield.
For the Dodgers, this is an emergency backup plan that would bring a potential 40-home run bat to a lineup with elite hitters already. In Los Angeles, Robert wouldn't have as much pressure to do damage as he does in Chicago. If the Dodgers whiff on Hernández, Robert may be the next best option.
