Red Sox ‘in on’ Dodgers’ World Series champion outfielder
Boston has been linked to Teoscar Hernandez for a second straight offseason
The Red Sox expressed interest in signing outfielder Teoscar Hernandez last offseason, but he ultimately took a one-year, $23.5 million pact.
Boston was in on Hernandez, reportedly offering him a two-year, $28 million deal, which he rejected. With the offseason underway, the Red Sox are once again linked to Hernandez and are “in” on the slugger, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. He noted that the Dodgers are a favorite to retain the outfielder following winning the World Series.
The two-time Silver Slugger slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 home runs with 99 RBI in the regular season. Hernandez hit three home runs and 12 RBI in 16 postseason games.
With Juan Soto the biggest prize in free agency, Passan thinks that Hernandez will likely sign first.
“Though he could have already signed by the time New York knows where it stands with Soto,” Passan wrote. “Chances are Hernández will be one of the first big names off the board.”
Hernandez has expressed his admiration for the city of Boston and a fondness for Fenway Park.
"Everything about that field is good," Hernandez said to “Baseball Isn’t Boring” host Rob Bradford before Game 4 of the Fall Classic. "And I don’t think it’s only me. I’m not the player who is saying that about Fenway. The atmosphere over there is really good. The fans love the team. They go to the ballpark. And they support the team. For me, that’s a big thing when you have a good fan base. But it’s been great here. Fans love this team. They go everywhere, and they support their players. It’s going to be a little hard for me in the next free agency. It’s going to be fun, and obviously I’m going to try and make the best decision for me and my family."
The Dodgers will certainly try to bring the power hitter back after he hit 33 homers with a .840 OPS in 154 games. For Hernandez, he will keep all options open this winter and do what’s best for him and his family.
"It’s going to be the same. Obviously, I’m going to try to go wherever I think is best for me and my family. And, obviously, where I can get a big chance to win. For me, winning is the priority. Obviously, I want a good contract and all of that, but winning is everything for me."
Boston has Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela penciled into the outfield as of right now, heading into 2025. Masataka Yoshida was the designated hitter all last season, and he underwent shoulder surgery this week; his timetable for return is not known. Hernandez could help the Sox’ in the outfield while being mixed into the DH spot.
Despite the obvious fit with the Red Sox, the Dodgers may have the edge due to their current competitive window and ultimately will spend what it takes to put a consistent winner on the field every season. Something the Red Sox seem unwilling to do since their last World Series title back in 2018.
