After the Juan Soto signing was supposed to open the floodgates for plenty more moves this offseason, the Boston Red Sox left Winter Meetings without a righty power bat for their 2025 lineup.
There's no shortage of available options, including two former division rivals, Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander. It's been reported that Boston's talks with Santander have picked up steam in the last week, but Hernández is regarded as the Sox's top right-handed outfield choice.
An update in the slugger's market suggests signing him could be easier than the Red Sox imagined. MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported on Dec. 16 that Hernández seeks "a three-year deal in the $22-24 million a year range."
If that's all it would take to sign Hernández, the Red Sox should jump into a deal with the outfielder before someone else does. The 32-year-old has said he enjoys playing in Boston in front of Red Sox fans, and his numbers at Fenway Park alone justify signing him.
Teoscar Hernández is reportedly looking for a three-year contract in the range of $22M-$24M per season. https://t.co/5l1MpTGJJW pic.twitter.com/U0eJRorp6j
— theScore (@theScore) December 17, 2024
Hernández batted .272/.339/.501 with a .840 OPS and a career-high 33 homers in 154 games with the Dodgers in 2024. In 45 career appearances at Fenway Park, he's slashed .282/.344/.606 with a .950 OPS, 14 homers and 44 RBI.
The Sox have also been in conversations with Santander, who seeks a five-year deal in the $100 million range. Hernández's historic success at Fenway and lower target price point with fewer years in mind is a perfect option for Boston, which has been reluctant to give out long-term deals in recent years.
Teoscar Hernández's asking price is well within a reasonable range for the Red Sox to sign him
Unlike Santander, Hernández has also shown he's able to thrive in big markets with demanding fanbases and in critical moments. Dodgers fans embraced Hernández for his personality off the field — 33 homers don't necessarily hurt his popularity — and he saved LA from another early playoff exit and choke job with a grand slam against the Padres in the NLDS.
Multiple factors, including his success in Boston and reasonable price, make Hernández the ideal righty power bat choice for the Red Sox this offseason. Signing Alex Bregman or trading for Nolan Arenado — two declining infielders — would require more money or another trade and plenty of roster shuffling. Santander's contract demands are higher than the Sox are likely willing to meet, but they may be stuck with him as their best option if they don't act fast.
The Dodgers have normalized overpaying for players, and they're still interested in Hernández. Reports of his shockingly reasonable contract request won't deter them from driving up his asking price. If Boston wants to have a shot at beating LA for Hernández's signature, speed will be its greatest asset.