Insider Scoop: Dodgers’ Lineup Transformed with Teoscar Hernandez!

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year, $23.5 million contract with outfielder Teoscar Hernández. With Hernández joining the team, assuming no unexpected trades, the position player segment of the team’s 26-man roster is likely set.

Now comes the enjoyable part: speculating on the potential lineup order, especially with a star-studded team like the Dodgers. Predicting the projected lineup for the Dodgers can be challenging because they often tailor it to match specific pitching matchups, favoring one lineup against left-handed pitchers and another against right-handers. Additionally, considerations around player rest and health lead to diverse lineups. In 2018, for instance, the Dodgers utilized 155 different lineups (excluding the pitcher’s spot) in 162 games.

Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman are expected to bat one through three in some order. Betts and Freeman combined for 209 RBIs last year batting first and second, respectively. Although breaking up the best leadoff duo in baseball may seem unconventional, Ohtani’s unique skill set might justify exceptions.

Outside the top three spots, Gavin Lux is likely to bat ninth, not due to his plate talent but because of his effectiveness in turning over the lineup when batting ninth in 2022. Coming off a significant injury, Lux is anticipated to return to the familiar 9-hole.

The remainder of the lineup is flexible, but certain patterns can be anticipated. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts typically favors alternating handedness in lineups (right, left, right, left, etc.), so a right-hander is probable to bat cleanup after Freeman or Ohtani.

Whether Will Smith or the newly acquired Teoscar Hernández continues to bat in the cleanup spot might depend on matchups, player health, and recent performance. Continuing this trend, Max Muncy is expected to spend most of his time hitting fifth, followed by the other half of Smith and Hernández.

James Outman is anticipated to bat seventh after his breakout rookie season, benefiting from quality pitches to hit after pitchers navigate the lineup.

The platoon of Heyward and Margot is likely to bat eighth, with Lux completing the go-to starting lineup.

Chris Taylor is poised to play multiple positions in 2024, and his place in the lineup will vary based on the player he is replacing.

Regardless of the final order, this lineup poses a challenge for any pitcher. Each player brings quality at-bats and the potential to be a threat at any moment. The Dodgers hope that the challenge of determining the lineup becomes a positive dilemma that extends well into October.