Red Sox once again tabbed as potential free-agent suitor for power-hitting outfielder
Teoscar Hernandez slugged 33 home runs with the Dodgers in 2024.
For the second winter in a row, the Red Sox are reportedly going to enter into the free-agency sweepstakes for Teoscar Hernandez.
According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, the Red Sox could make a push to sign Hernandez this offseason once he hits the open market — even though Gonzalez stressed that the slugging outfielder “wants to be a Dodger” after winning a World Series title in Los Angeles in 2024.
However, the 32-year-old Hernandez is also looking for security with his new contract, something that the Red Sox might be willing to offer as they look for more pop from the right side of the plate.
(The Red Sox) were the most aggressive after him last offseason, presenting a two-year offer,” Gonzalez wrote Monday on ESPN. “Perhaps they kick in the extra year or two and get it done. Hernández wants a bigger deal, but he also wants to win.”
Gonzalez’s musings follow a similar script as last offseason, where Boston reportedly tried to add Hernandez as a power bat in the heart of their lineup. Despite the Red Sox’ reported interest, Hernandez ended up signing with the Dodgers on a one-year, $23.5 million contract.
Speaking to WEEI’s Rob Bradford in July 2024, Hernandez acknowledged that the Red Sox pursued him last offseason, but the team’s final offer was a two-year, $28 million contract.