The rumor mill is spinning hard: L.A.’s top free-agent wish list is emerging just as Teoscar trade talks reportedly gain traction.NL

LOS ANGELES, CA—The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly making their offseason priorities clear, with sources indicating two “preferred” free agent targets have emerged in conjunction with the ongoing trade buzz surrounding veteran outfielder Teoscar Hernández.

Despite winning their second straight World Series, the Dodgers are keen to upgrade their roster defensively in the outfield and solidify their bullpen, especially if they clear payroll by moving the remaining $33 million owed to Hernández (who struggled defensively in 2025).

According to reports, the two players at the top of the Dodgers’ wish list are a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder and a premier late-inning reliever, both of whom would represent a significant change in roster philosophy.

The first preferred target is free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader.

• The Fit: Bader directly addresses the Dodgers’ most urgent need: elite defense in the outfield. After the team’s outfield defense, particularly in the corners, drew criticism in 2025 (and Teoscar Hernández graded out among the worst defensive outfielders), acquiring Bader would immediately stabilize the unit.
• The Impact of a Hernández Trade: Moving Hernández would free up the necessary payroll and roster spot for a center-field option like Bader, allowing the team to potentially shift their younger, less experienced outfielders into corner spots, or even move Hernández to left field if he remains on the team.
• The Profile: Bader offers Gold Glove defense, speed, and energy. While his bat is not the primary focus, his ability to play a strong center field would allow Mookie Betts to remain anchored at second base and provide crucial defense in the late innings.

The second “preferred” target is veteran closer Robert Suarez, most recently of the San Diego Padres.

• The Fit: Suarez is one of the most reliable and dominant late-inning relievers available. The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a point of focus this offseason, especially with the loss of several key arms to free agency. Suarez’s consistent ability to close games and his high-velocity arsenal would instantly bolster the team’s late-inning options.
• The Financial Flexibility: Acquiring an elite closer requires a significant financial commitment. Trading Hernández—who is owed over $30 million—would provide the payroll flexibility needed to make a strong run at a top-tier reliever like Suarez, or other high-leverage arms like Edwin Díaz.
• The Profile: Known for his powerful fastball and his success in the division, signing Suarez would serve the dual purpose of strengthening the Dodgers’ biggest weakness while simultaneously weakening a rival, fitting the team’s typical power moves.

The Dodgers are seemingly prioritizing defense and high-leverage pitching this offseason, and the potential trade of Teoscar Hernández is the domino that would allow them to pursue these two key targets.