{"id":114429,"date":"2026-02-23T20:32:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T01:32:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=114429"},"modified":"2026-02-23T20:32:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T01:32:36","slug":"three-dodgers-that-could-break-out-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/02\/23\/three-dodgers-that-could-break-out-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Dodgers That Could Break Out in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Dodgers are locked, loaded, and looking<\/a> for a three-peat. They didn’t have the busiest of off-seasons. However, they did make two<\/a> additions<\/a> to add to a core that is used to winning. On paper, the Dodgers look formidable and like World Series contenders, but the players have to do it on the field. Here are three names to keep in mind when considering who might have a year to propel the Dodgers to another World Series ring.<\/p>\n

The New Right Fielder<\/h2>\n

The offensive and defensive production was sorely lacking in the corner outfield positions for the Dodgers in 2025. \u00a0Los Angeles knew who they wanted, but they weren’t sure they would be able to sign him. However, Kyle Tucker<\/a> wanted to be a Dodger, and the rest is history. Tucker hits for power and average, and he plays solid defense in the outfield. He hits .302 at Dodger Stadium. It may be a small sample size, but he is projected to hit behind Shohei Ohtani<\/a>. Tucker is most likely going to see a lot of hittable pitches, which means the average will increase. If his hand is fully healthy, Tucker, who is on the quiet side, can enjoy playing baseball without having to be the superstar.<\/p>\n

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The “New” Left-fielder<\/h2>\n

Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez<\/a> had a year to forget individually in 2025. The fan-favorite struggled with an adductor strain since the end of May, and it showed both on the field and at the plate. The Dodgers’ “butter and egg man” didn’t deliver as consistently as he did in 2024. There were even some rumblings that he might be traded this winter. However, the Dodgers said that Hern\u00e1ndez would not be traded, and he would get the majority of starts in left field. The veteran has had off-years before, most notably in 2023.<\/p>\n

However, Los Angeles took a flier on him in 2024, and he rewarded them with clutch hits in the biggest situations. Last season, Hernandez was leading the league at one point with runs batted in and a batting average over .300. The groin injury<\/a> plagued him the rest of the season, and his contact rate plummeted. Now, he enters camp fully healthy and 12 pounds lighter. He seems poised to bounce back this season. Whatever happens, it is highly doubtful the Dodgers win their third straight title without Hernandez.<\/p>\n

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We are 37 Days away from Opening Day!<\/p>\n

Let’s take a look at the Dodgers’ Veteran OF, Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez’s 2026 Projections:<\/p>\n

132 G
\n554 PA
\n.263 BA
\n27 HRs
\n81 RBIs
\n77 Runs
\n.316 OBP
\n.791 OPS
\n118 wRC+
\n2.1 fWAR
\n(via THE BAT X @DerekCarty<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Teoscar Hern\u00e1ndez’s 2025 season was\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/JHGv4d4lZ1<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ride The Pine (@RideThePineMLB) February 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n