Los Angeles Dodgers to sign free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez
Los Angeles Dodgers to sign free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez
The Los Angeles Dodgers have done it again, swooping in and signing a free agent the Red Sox could have used for its roster. Free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández and the Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $23.5 million deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The deal will also see $8.5 million of the salary deferred from 2030-2039. The aggressive Dodgers have now added Hernández to their free agent haul this winter, along with Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and trading for Tyler Glasnow and Manny Margot.
Hernández will slot into right field for the Dodgers since Mookie Betts will become the club’s primary second baseman in 2024.
The 31-year old has hit 25 plus home runs in each of his last four full seasons, joining Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto. Those are some premier bats to be included with, however like many power hitters he come with a fair amount of strikeouts.
The veteran had 211 strikeouts last season in a career high 679 plate appearances. That was second worst in the American League behind Eugino Suarez. Since 2021, he is also second worst to Adolis Garcia among right handed outfielders in K rate at 28.3%.
The Dodgers reportedly were looking to add a right-handed slugger who crushed lefties this offseason.
“Andrew Friedman Dodgers just told us MLB Network Radio, that he is focused right now on acquiring a right-handed hitting outfielder that can crush LHP and hold his own against RHP. It's only a matter of time,” posted The Athletic’s Jim Bowden on Sunday afternoon.
It truly was jus a matter of time before Friedman would strike again.
Hernández thrives against lefties owning an MLB best .626 slugging percentage, since 2020.
Defensively, Hernández had a zero outs above average last season which was his career best. He is an inconsistent fielder but the Dodgers are banking more on his offensive approach than his defensive prowess.
The move now leaves the Red Sox searching for a right-handed power bat with Hernández off the table.
Boston had expressed strong interest in Hernández that originated around Thanksgiving. The right-handed power hitter has seen massive success hitting at Fenway Park owning a career .283/.344/.606 slash line in 45 games with 14 homers and 44 RBIs. The Red Sox had envisioned putting Hernández in-between Rafael Devers and Triston Casas in the lineup.
The Red Sox reportedly offered Hernández a two-year, $28 million deal. The annual $14 million AAV would have been the same amount he earned last season playing for the Mariners.
Boston could turn back to outfielder Adam Duvall for a reunion and have reportedly been connected to Marlins free agent Jorge Soler. The Red Sox could also turn to the trade market and move one of their outfielders for a right-handed hitting outfielder to better compliment the lineup.
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