Former Seattle Mariners shortstop Teoscar Hernandez is a good target

The veteran outfielder is a hot target this season and could fill a need for the Sox.

Former Seattle Mariners shortstop Teoscar Hernandez is a good target for the Red Sox this season. He is a reliable striker and a good everyday player. However, if Boston plans to sign the former Seattle Mariner, who has been mentioned in recent MLB rumors, there are a few hurdles ahead. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the villains of the 2023-2024 season, are also candidates for Hernández. The Dodgers are still active in the free agent (FA) market by recruiting Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, etc., receiving the highest salary ever. And that makes it difficult for the Sox.

The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner could be a good fit for either club. Wearing Dodgers blue, Hernández would suit up in the outfield as Mookie Betts moves to the infield in 2024. If Hernandez signs elsewhere, LA’s starting lefty will likely be Chris Taylor. Sure, he’s a great player, but Hernandez is a consistent bat with more power behind him. Hernández is also a natural defender, while Taylor is more of a utility player and playmaker.

Boston’s current outfield lacks proven everyday players. Prospects Villier Abreu and Sedden Rafaela could make their case this season, but the Red Sox, who have finished in last place in three of the past four seasons, will need to find better veteran talent.

He mentioned the Angels and Mariners as two teams that would make sense, but the #Dodgers still seem committed to the player. pic.twitter.com/vacDrOe3q8

Red Sox Rumors: Will Boston Acquire Teoscar Hernández from the Dodgers? Masataka Yoshida spent most of 2023 in left field for Boston, but with Justin Turner opting out of his contract at the start of the season, he is now a candidate for the Sox’s designated hitter. Yoshida isn’t the best defender either, and adding a player as skilled as Hernández on the left side would help the team on both sides of the ball. The Red Sox lost their last outfielder, Alex Verdugo, who played right field in a uniquely troubled park this offseason. Hernández’s defensive reliability suggests he can handle Fenway’s right field well even after leaving a first-place team. 99 and was traded to the New York Yankees. Teosca Hernández would like a four-year contract.

On the other hand, Jarren Duran’s speed is useful in center field, and the Sox still have Rob Refsnyder on the roster and added Tyler O’Neal earlier in the season. Boston has plenty of outfield options through 2024, but none can fill Verdugo’s shoes as effectively as Hernandez.

The Red Sox still have a lot of work to do this offseason, including strengthening the rotation and middle infield. But adding Hernández to the pitch would be a good start to strengthen the front nine. We have to get him before the Dodgers do.