The Boston Red Sox are currently in pursuit of free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
Despite their continuous search for a pitcher after falling short of acquiring prized free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Red Sox are exploring other free agency options. Offensively, Hernandez has been a premier target.
However, to nab the 31-year-old, Boston might need to offer a four-year contract, which is what Hernandez is reportedly looking for, as per Mass Live’s Sean McAdam. As of late, Hernandez has already met with the Red Sox for contract discussions, although there has been no official offer yet coming from team management.
A two-time Silver Slugger recipient, Hernandez played in 2023 with the Seattle Mariners, where he was able to hit 26 homers while driving in 93. However, the Dominican native’s best years arguably came while donning the Toronto Blue Jays Jersey, wherein he was named an All-Star during the 2021 season. During that stellar year, Hernandez was able to tally a career-high 32 homers.
How Hernandez fits in with the Red Sox
At the moment, the Red Sox’s outfielders consist of Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Tyler O’Neill, Ceddanne Rafaela, Rob Refsnyder and Masataka Yoshida.
From the outfielders, Abreu, Duran and Yoshida are all lefthanded hitters. Rafaela and Refsnyder may be righthanded, but Boston still needs more impact coming from that side. Considering how (outside the outfielders) third baseman Rafael Devers and first baseman Triston Casas are lefthanders as well, acquiring Hernandez will finally give the Red Sox the righthanded hitter the team desperately needs, resulting in more balance to the offense.
If the Red Sox want to make the right preparations for a bounce-back season, then signing Teoscar Hernandez could be a start.
