The Boston Red Sox publicly coveted power-hitting outfielder and recent World Series champion Teoscar Hernández last season.
The Red Sox lost out on Hernández after the Dodgers' offer nearly doubled theirs. Hernández appeared on Ben Verlander's "Flippin' Bats Podcast" soon after he signed in Los Angeles, and the resurfaced clip has made it exceedingly clear that suiting up in Dodger Blue was his second choice.
"Yeah, I cannot lie about it. I was really excited because were showing a lot of interest. But they didn't come with a good deal, so I have to decide somewhere else," Hernández said.
The outfielder also mentioned that Fenway Park is his favorite ballpark to play in and that he loves the atmosphere Boston fans bring to games. The only thing the Red Sox didn't bring to the table is money, of which they have plenty.
Resurfaced Teoscar Hernández comments show how much he wanted to play for Red Sox
For @TeoscarH, it was down to the Dodgers and Red Sox this offseason 👀
— Flippin' Bats Podcast (@FlippinBatsPod) February 19, 2024
Teo tells @BenVerlander why he signed with the Dodgers going into the 2024 season pic.twitter.com/WU6Fq8AVZC
Hernández hoped for a multi-year deal with Boston — it offered him a two-year, $28 million contract — but ended up signing for one year in Los Angeles for the same price the Sox offered for two seasons. The 32-year-old is a free agent again this winter, and the Red Sox could have another chance to get a deal done. He and the Dodgers are reportedly mutually interested in a reunion, though, so Boston will need to make a real offer this time if it hopes to bring the slugger in.
Hernández batted .272/.339/.501 with a .840 OPS, 32 doubles, two triples, 33 homers and 99 RBI in 154 games with Los Angeles. His right-handed power would've played well in the Red Sox's lineup last season, and would've been a better option than Tyler O'Neill, who blasted a close 31 homers, but only 18 doubles and 15 RBI in 41 fewer games.
Hernández's defense would be a considerable downgrade from Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran or, to a lesser extent, Rob Refsnyder. But the power he would bring to the lineup may be too good for the Sox to pass up, especially because they're desperate for right-handed production.
Boston has been in contact with O'Neill's agent and has reportedly checked in on Juan Soto's market. If the Red Sox miss out on those two targets, they should make a real push for Hernández. He seems inclined to accept a reasonable offer to play most of his games at his favorite ballpark in front of a passionate fanbase.