Jim Bowden has a different name in mind for the Dodgers’ left field. On Sunday’s episode of the “GM Territory” podcast, the former Cincinnati Reds general manager argued that Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan fits Los Angeles better than Teoscar Hernandez.
“If I’m the Dodgers, I think he fits better than Teoscar Hernandez does, to be honest, because of getting on base and being able to create runs a different way, but also the defense in left field. That below-average defense that Teoscar has at Dodger Stadium really shows up,” Bowden said.
“And, you know, the Dodgers have always been about their starting pitchers and their bullpen guys. Kwan makes the pitching better as well and creates traffic for the big boppers to hit. So that’s another place that would fit.”
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Steven Kwan, 29, is a four-time Gold Glove winner who hit .282 with a .382 on-base percentage in 151 games in 2026. He is entering his final arbitration year, projected by MLB Trade Rumors at $11.3 million, and can reach free agency after 2027.
Former Cincinnati Reds GM also considers Josue De Paula as a solution in the outfield for the Dodgers
Bowden’s case also rests on the farm system. Josue De Paula, 21, had 10 hits in 31 at-bats and 11 walks in 42 plate appearances after his September debut, then drew two walks off the bench in the postseason.
“Their best outfield prospect, Josue De Paula, his best position besides DH, is going to be left field. And they tell me that he’s improved some. They want more improvement defensively, but they think the bat is ready to hit at the major league level,” Bowden said.
“So, possibly trading Hernandez makes sense. And the rumor that I keep hearing is that the Toronto Blue Jays have interest in reuniting with Teoscar Hernandez, who was a fan favorite when he was in Toronto.”
Hernandez, 34, is entering the final guaranteed season of a three-year, $66 million deal, after hitting 16 home runs with a .759 OPS in 125 games in 2026. Bowden thinks a potential deal between the LA and Toronto could suit both teams nicely.
“I think it fits because you look at the Blue Jays outfield. It was one of the worst outfields offensively in Major League Baseball last year. So, I do think Dodgers and Blue Jays do match up in the Teoscar Hernandez potential swap,” Bowden said.
It remains to be seen if any of these moves materialize, as neither club has yet confirmed talks, and Cleveland has not signaled it will move Kwan.
Edited by Raghav Mehta
