The Dodgers may be circling a $5M LA native via trade, and the “coming home” storyline is getting loud fast.NL
The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t closed any big deals since landing pitcher Edwin Diaz, but they are still linked to some notable players. The team wants an upgrade in the outfield, but it remains to be seen if they’ll end up signing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
If the Dodgers miss out on Tucker, they’ll have to turn their sights to other players. Tucker is easily the best free agent, so if the team wants to find an upgrade in the outfield, they may have to look to the trade market. St. Louis Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan has been talked about as a trade option, but Los Angeles could also consider one of his teammates.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers are interested in trading for outfielder Lars Nootbaar.
“The most active seller in the trade market, the St. Louis Cardinals, continue to discuss a wide range of players, including infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan, outfielder Lars Nootbaar, first baseman Willson Contreras, third baseman Nolan Arenado and lefty reliever Jo Jo Romero,” Rosenthal wrote.
“As reported previously by The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners are a favorite for Donovan and the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams interested in Nootbaar.”
Nootbaar Is LA Native
Nootbaar isn’t a big name. He’s never been an All-Star and is only making $5.2 million next season. He has played a lot of games for the Cardinals over the last five seasons. In 2025, he hit 13 home runs and had a career high 48 RBIs.
From Nootbaar’s perspective, the Dodgers would have to be very appealing. Beyond the fact that they are back-to-back World Series champions, Nootbaar is from Los Angeles, California, and grew up a fan of the team. He also played college baseball at USC.
Going to the Dodgers would allow him to play for his hometown team for the first time.
Latest on Teoscar Hernandez
Part of why the Dodgers are in on outfielders is that it sounds like they’re looking to move on from Teoscar Hernandez. He was excellent for the team in 2024, but took a step back in 2025.
The Dodgers appear willing to trade the former All-Star for the right price, but it’s alos possible that they decide to keep him around for another season. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya gave the latest on Hernandez’s status with the team.
“These markets are fluid and can change quickly, but the top bats are largely still available, save for Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso,” Ardaya wrote. “I’d imagine if the Dodgers do wind up moving Hernández, it would be around the time that the likes of Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger and others start to come off the board. Teams that miss out on those stars could pivot to Hernández.
“The Dodgers’ willingness to listen is largely a byproduct of seeing the potential demand for a hitter like Hernández. There aren’t a whole lot of right-handed-hitting outfielders out there who can produce as he has. That’s also a reason to keep him, particularly as the Dodgers themselves are still looking to add a position player.”
