The Boston Red Sox have been more serious about pursuing Juan Soto than most fans expected, but both New York clubs still usurp Boston as the favorites for the slugger.
The heavily left-handed Red Sox would prefer a righty bat as their backup plan for Soto, and recent World Series champion Teoscar Hernández has been floated as a potential choice. Boston was linked to the outfielder last offseason before the Dodgers doubled its offer.
The Sox aren't officially out on Soto, but LA might beat them to the punch on Hernández again. David Vassegh of AM570 radio reported that the Dodgers and Hernández may be close to finalizing a reunion.
“Many people around the league expect Teoscar Hernández and the Dodgers to find their way back to each other, and my understanding is the Dodgers and Teoscar are very much engaged, trying to nail the final details of a contract," he said.
The Dodgers and Teoscar Hernández reportedly near another deal, removing one of Red Sox's free agent outfield targets
TEOSCAR HERNÁNDEZ GRAND SLAM! pic.twitter.com/BNZesu6zgX
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 9, 2024
Dodgers fans have begged for a reunion with the slugger since the 2024 season ended. Hernández quickly endeared himself to the city of Los Angeles through his personality, but his career-high 33 homers didn't hurt his standing.
The 32-year-old batted .272/.339/.501 with a .840 OPS and 99 RBI over 154 games for LA. Hernández would've been an excellent right-handed option for Fenway Park — 25 of his 33 bombs left the yard over left field.
Hernández was also vocal about how much he loves playing in Boston. He told reporters Fenway is his favorite ballpark because of the history and the passion of Red Sox fans.
Obviously, Soto will be Boston's No. 1 outfield target until he signs. Pursuing Hernández doesn't make much sense if the Red Sox are as invested in the Soto market as experts have said. But it's tough to find out one of the best backup outfield options could be off the table before the Sox know if they have Soto or not.