Red Sox showing interest in free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández
The Red Sox have already added one outfielder in Tyler O’Neill earlier this month and are expressing interest in Mariners outfielder Teoscar Hernández.
"Teoscar Hernández is going to get a much bigger contract than you expect for a career .261 hitter with a .316 on-base percentage," Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham reported back in mid-November. "He has an .803 OPS the last three seasons with 83 homers and he crushes lefties. For teams such as the Red Sox, who need right-handed power, he’ll be high on the list."
MLB Trade Rumors projects the free agent outfielder to earn a four-year, $80 million deal this winter.
Boston is still in need of another right-handed bat for it’s lineup. Adding Hernández to go along with the potential of O’Neill’s, would give the Red Sox power behind Rafael Devers and Triston Casas.
Hernández had a decent year at the dish last season, bashing 26 homers with 93 RBIs and mashing 29 doubles for the Mariners. Strike outs are an issue for the slugger, striking out at 31.1 5 clip last season and 29.7% over the course of his career.
The 31-year-old offers an excellent barrel rate at 13.8% which was in the 88th percentile. While playing in Seattle, he struggled offensively at T-Mobile Park slashing .217/.263/.380 slash over 79 games. On the road, his numbers told another story slashing .295/.344/.486 in 81 away games.
Hernández likes to slug at Fenway Park, hitting .282 with 14 homers and a .950 OPS over 45 games at Boston's historic venue in his career.
Boston is still seeking pitching in free agency and have yet to make a significant move. The Red Sox have only spent $1 million this winter on the major league roster, signing former Rays swingman pitcher Cooper Criswell.
With the likelihood that Adam Duvall and Justin Turner not returning next season, Hernández is a viable right-handed power hitter for Alex Cora’s lineup.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
