The Boston Red Sox's 2024-25 offseason signings have addressed the team's biggest deficiency — the pitching staff.
The additions of Justin Wilson, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Crochet, Patrick Sandoval and Walker Buehler have improved Boston's pitching staff enough that it can pivot to other areas of need. Adding a right bat should be next on the Sox's to-do list.
Luckily, a golden opportunity has emerged in Teoscar Hernández's market. Negotiations between the Dodgers and the veteran have stalled to the point that LA has explored alternate righty-bat options.
Hernández didn't sign with Boston last season because Los Angeles swept in and doubled the Sox's offer to the outfielder. Without the Dodgers in the mix, the Red Sox's biggest enemy in the Hernández pursuit is themselves — they should sign him before someone else does, especially because there are division rivals interested in his services.
Dodgers negotiations with Teoscar Hernández have stalled and the Red Sox should capitalize
Hernández slashed .272/.339/.501 with a .840 OPS and a career-high 33 homers for the Dodgers last season. He showed he can meet the moment in critical situations with a clutch grand slam against the Padres in the NLDS to avoid another Dodgers postseason choke.
The outfielder also has a proven track record of success at Fenway Park. He's batted .282/.344/.606 with a .950 OPS with 14 homers and 44 RBI in 45 career appearances in Boston.
Hernández and Rob Refsnyder would make a solid veteran presence in the Red Sox's lineup, which is one of the main things they lack at this stage. Besides Refsnyder and Trevor Story, Boston doesn't have much experience among its position players. Hernández would provide a nice boost of age and knowledge, and his bat being tailor-made for Fenway Park doesn't hurt.
Reports have said Hernández seeks a deal in the $22-24 million per year range, which is well within the Red Sox's budget. They should jump to sign him as a solid upgrade for their offense without the price tag Alex Bregman carries.
