New Dodgers Rumors on Teoscar Hernandez Trade, Mookie Betts, Josue De Paula's Role

The Los Angeles Dodgers have "pause" regarding a potential trade of outfielder Teoscar Hernández to free up a spot for 21-year-old outfield prospect Josue de Paula, per Katie Woo of The Athletic, who reported the news and provided more context on that front on Wednesday.

"The Dodgers rostered the oldest position-playing group in baseball last season, and they want to get younger. An obvious way to do that is to deal Teoscar Hernández, whom the Dodgers shopped last winter, to clear a spot for De Paula. But because a pending lockout will prohibit clubs from contacting players on their 40-man roster, there will be no way for the organization to assess De Paula's development throughout the offseason. Per a team source, that has given the Dodgers pause about whether they should trade Hernández."

Woo also reported that the Dodgers are keeping Mookie Betts at shortstop.

"The organization has no plans to move Betts from shortstop and is not interested in a blockbuster trade for a younger player at the position, despite much speculation. Instead, they remain focused on adding to their depth and keeping their core intact."

The plan there, Woo reported, is for the Dodgers to find a "stopgap option who can play second base and shortstop." Essentially, L.A. is reportedly looking for a "right-handed middle infielder" a la Miguel Rojas, who retired after last season.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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