Free agent Teoscar Hernández just won a World Series and is now drawing interest in the early days of the offseason. The Red Sox and Orioles are interested in the outfielder, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network on X. The Dodgers and Hernández also have mutual interest in a reunion, per Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports.
Hernández, 32, was a free agent a year ago and received interest from the Red Sox at that time. Chris Cotillo of MassLive (X link) reported that the Sox offered him $28MM over a two-year deal, numbers that were later confirmed by the player himself when speaking to Rob Bradford of WEEI and the Baseball Isn’t Boring Podcast.
He turned down that offer and instead took a slightly smaller guarantee on a one-year pact with the Dodgers. That deal paid him $23.5MM with some deferrals, but perhaps most importantly, allowed him to return to free agency after hopefully having a bounceback year.
That bet on himself looks like it will pay off well. From 2020 to 2022, he slashed .283/.333/.519 for the Blue Jays, production that led to a 132 wRC+. His defense wasn’t great but he did steal 24 bases in that stretch and the offense was undeniable. He was traded to the Mariners prior to 2023 and had a down year at the plate, hitting .258/.305/.435 for a 106 wRC+. With that weak platform year, his free agent market was fairly tepid, including the aforementioned offer from Boston.
But his year with Los Angeles could hardly have gone much better, as he hit .272/.339/.501 for a 134 wRC+, right back to his previous form. His defensive metrics still weren’t great but he swiped another 12 bags. He got into 16 playoff games and hit .250/.352/.417 for a 119 wRC+. On MLBTR’s Top 50 Free Agents post, we predicted that he could secure a three-year, $60MM deal this time around.
Whether he can get that deal or not, the Sox would almost certainly have to increase their offer from a year ago. If they are willing to do so, his right-handed swing would fit well on a roster with plenty of left-handed bats. Rafael Devers, Triston Casas, Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu all hit from the left side, as do prospects Kyle Teel, Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony.
Last year, the Sox complemented their lefty outfielders by having Tyler O’Neill, who had a good season in a specific way. He was injured a few times, struck out a bunch and did most of his damage against lefties, but still had a strong season overall. He hit 31 home runs in 113 games for a .241/.336/.511 slash line and 131 wRC+, all that despite a 33.6% strikeout rate and a meager 91 wRC+ against righties.
Hernández should be ranked a bit above O’Neill as he has a slight edge in most of those areas. His 28.8% strikeout rate in 2024 was high but not as bad as O’Neill’s. He does have platoon splits, though not to the same extent as O’Neill. Hernández has a 140/113 wRC+ split in his career and was at 154/126 in 2024. He’s also far more durable, having played at least 125 games in each of the past six full seasons, whereas O’Neill has only hit that number once in his career.
Either could work as the needed righty for Boston. Hernández would arguably be better but would also likely cost more. O’Neill was predicted by MLBTR for a three-year deal just like Hernández but with a lesser guarantee of $42MM. However, Hernández received a qualifying offer from the Dodgers and is therefore tied to draft pick forfeiture, whereas O’Neill is not. Per Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe on X, the Sox remain engaged with O’Neill’s camp and could potentially bring him back.
Either should fit in the club’s budget. RosterResource projects the club for a payroll of $136MM right now, more than $50MM below where they were in 2024. They’re about $70MM below the competitive balance tax line. They have needs on the pitching staff but could certainly spend on an outfielder if they want.
For the Orioles, they are a logical fit for similar reasons. Their lineup features lefties Gunnar Henderson, Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad and Jackson Holliday. Prospects Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers are also lefty swingers. Their outfield just lost switch-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander to free agency, so Hernández could slot in as Santander’s replacement if the O’s don’t re-sign him.
Orioles general manager Mike Elias recently identified a right-handed hitting outfielder as an offseason target, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. The big question is how much spending capacity the club will have this winter. In the past six years, they haven’t given a free agent a multi-year deal, with Craig Kimbrel’s $13MM guarantee on a one-year pact their largest expenditure.
For much of that time, they were rebuilding and then the club was up for sale. David Rubenstein took over ownership officially just as the 2024 season was getting started. It has been expected that the club will get a bit more aggressive and their trade deadline behavior gave some encouraging signs in that regard. They took on notable money to acquire Zach Eflin and Seranthony Domínguez, but it’s still unknown exactly how far they plan to go this winter.
“Whether it’s free-agent spending or it’s support for my staff or the baseball organization, I think we have everything that we need financially to make the optimal decisions for the long-term health of the franchise. And a lot of that’s going to be in my judgment,” Elias said this week. “But certainly, if we have something that we want to do and we need financial support for it, I’m exceedingly confident that that’s going to be there.”
Returning to the Dodgers is also easy to see, especially with the club planning to move Mookie Betts back to the infield next year. That means the projected outfield currently consists of Andy Pages, James Outman and utility guys like Tommy Edman and Chris Taylor. While the Dodgers could easily fit Hernández in there, they will probably first see how things play out with their reported interest in Juan Soto.
Until Breslow signs a big name ticket, anyone else concerned that it’s just more rhetoric?
I’d bet on LA wanting what worked for them to keep working.
Dodgers resign Teo, sign Adames and a frontline starter, Sasaki if he’s posted, otherwise Snell or Fried.
Not Snell.
I bet dodgers will resign both hernandez’s, sasaki if he is posted and Buehler. I would like to have blake treinen back as well.
The Dodgers are the modern day Yankees. They’ve got a scheme for deferring money into the next century so there are no limits. Soto will get signed with 2060 money and Mookie will play SS better than most players in the game despite him not being good enough to get a 12 year deal by the all knowing Boston Red Sox owners.
It’s monopoly money in LA. It’s crypto currency and a ponzi scheme all rolled into a sport filled with gambling. It’s truly a joke what they have now done to baseball. It’s just as bad as LeBron making super teams. I’m curious to see how long the Steinbrenners will sit idle and watch LA steal their thunder. It’s like the baseball version of WAR GAMES the movie.
Say… what?
Teoscar will most likely be back with the Dodgers.
O’neill is a platoon player… that’s it. Any team offering him a full time position is foolish.
ONeill was a league average hitter against righties in 2024
He was Aaron Judge against lefties
That’s not a platoon player.
91 wRC+ against RHP isn’t really league average. .208/.290/.403.
His career is an above average 750 OPS
You telling me you didn’t notice that?
The difference is between his career numbers and his 2024 numbers against righties is all BABIP.
@blackpink “O’Neill was a league average hitter against righties in 2024.”
Vtadave pointed out (as the the article also did) how O’Neill was below average against RHPs in ’24.
Blackpink responds with an unqualified comment about a career 750 OPS.
He was slightly below average because OPS+ focuses more on OBP and not slugging. His OPS was darn near average.
His career OPS, which is definitely relevant for predicting the future, says he’s above average against righties.
So what’s the point? That by the specific definition of OPS+ he’s slightly below average for 2024 or THAT HES NOT A PLATOON PLAYER.
Because thats the comment I replied to chief.
O’Neil is not for this club unless you get a second righty bat. Too injury prone to be the only righty bopper at Fenway. Remember the days of Rice, Fisk, Evans and Hobson? And they had Yaz and Lynn from the left side. Had ownership not screwed up and that lineup stayed together…
Dewey, even then he’s not the right fit.
Refsnyder is back, plays OF, and bats RH, technically meeting your definition.
BP – wrong as usual. WRC +91 is not league average, and most of TO’s production (31 HRs and 41 of his 61 RBIs came in just 24 games!) 89 games had 0 HRs and only 20 RBIs combined with a 33% K rate.
It’s close to league average. And that’s not the point troll. The point is the guy said he’s a platoon player and that’s stupid and simply not true. As Joe pointed out he had bad luck on balls in play in 2024. But you ignored that for some reason.
Wrong as usual? Say something else stupid and I will mute you. I guarantee it.
These writers need to be better. There’s no way the Sox pony up enough money to sign Teoscar.
They need another outfielder like they need a hole in the head. Guys are lining up around the block to play on the grass at Fenway, and that’s just dudes from their own system, LOL.
Teo > Soto. U already know what chemistry Teo brings to the organization … winning ! That would leave alot of money to be spent on other areas of team not giving Soto 600-700 Million. Dodgers don’t need Soto.
Teo was terrific for the Dodgers but is not better than Soto. Winning? Both have done that. Chemistry? Winning is a part of that. Otherwise, fans have no idea about chemistry because none of us have been in a Major League clubhouse with either player.
The Dodgers have a lot coming off the books now and in the next few seasons. If they want Soto, there’s room on the payroll. Whatever happens, I trust the Dodger’s FO to do what they believe is necessary to improve the team.
It’s true that chemistry is an overused word, but we can also see which players always seem to be upbeat and take the game’s ups and downs in stride. We know from our own lives that this kind of person is a lot easier to be around every day than an egotistical sourpuss. So call it what you will, but it’s pretty clear Teo Hernandez is one of the former and as a result is well liked by his teammates. He’d be a positive influence on any clubhouse.
Upbeat. Takes things in stride. Just like O.J. Simpson.
I’m not remotely suggesting Teo is a bad guy. And no one should be suggesting someone else is an egotistical sourpuss. Fans need to stop pretending they “know” these players and what goes on beyond the scenes. None of that can be proven because we have no evidence. One clear thing is that Soto is a better player than Teoscar.
Front office decisions shouldn’t be dominated by sentimentality over what players have done in the past. They should be made for what will hopefully make the team better.
Now try rereading what I wrote for content.
You stated that Teo was a positive influence in the clubhouse without evidence.
Not without evidence, just without evidence you wanted to consider. Instead of reading what I actually wrote, you started with a bizarre analogy and went downhill from there. That’s what I get for more or less agreeing with your original point. You are so welcome. It’s been a pleasure.
Insofar as eyewitness testimony can count as ‘evidence’ in court, I think we could agree that the statements by Teo’s teammates that he’s an important part of the chemistry of the team, _and that the chemistry was important in their success_ constitute evidence.
Also echoed by Brandon Gomes. Teo was the first member of the team to develop a personal relationship with Ohtani and even learned some Japanese and taught Ohtani some Spanish. He also mentored younger members of the team. The concept of chemistry is overrated if it means finding some perfect mix of personalities. It should really mean that positive energy people like Teo fit in anywhere. Hope the Dodgers give him the three years he’s after. He’s the fish they can catch. Soto, I’m not so sure.
If Pivetta doesn’t take the QO, the Red Sox will have a pick that can replace the one they would loose on Teoscar Hernandez. Maybe the Red Sox upgrade from Tyler O’Neill. In any case the Red Sox need to up grade from O’Neill as 3/4 of his production occurred in 24 games, which is not acceptable for a team with aspirations of a division title.
Boston needs to make a trade because they need to get rid of a lefty hitter in the process of finding a righty.
Teo makes no sense for the RS. It feels like I hear this every year. The RS have 3 current outfielders, 2 very good OF prospects, and one good OF prospect. I’d be shocked if they added a FA OF.
Joe – I wouldnt be shocked, but, I would *probably* be disappointed because it would mean they traded away some of the best products coming from the last 5 years of pain and austerity.
Giving 20-25m/yr to a FA outfielder while trading away multiple cheap controllable talent pieces for a player with likely only 2-3 seasons left sounds a lot worse than playing those guys making almost nothing and doling out big money FA pitching deals to the right guys
sounds a lot worse than playing those guys making almost nothing and doling out big money FA pitching deals to the right guys
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IMO, all players qualify as risks. Sometimes star prospects can’t play. And sometimes shiny new FAs get hurt or underperform.
But more importantly-
1-How you feeling?
2-How do feel about the 2018 Challenger Scat Pack? Not seriously shopping yet, but it feels like a lot of muscle for the dollar.
Joe, somehow my reply posted below as a new comment rather than a reply here as intended. So, apologies on the tech snafu, amd I’ll point you there rather than duplicate it as the time to edit has long since passed.
Joe – Agreed! All the Red Sox budget needs to be spent on staters and bullpen! They also do not like to sign players that have compensation picks attached.
The interested articles always make me lol as an agreement can be make that nearly all 30 teams are interested in every players…..lol
It is all click bate…
They also do not like to sign players that have compensation picks attached.
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You know, the brainy part of me understands most of the RS moves, But the animal spirit side of me says that we will eventually have to muscle up. I know the era of the NYY/RS being the only game in town is over. But I would still like to see us just flat outbid everyone for the right player.
Joe if they sign Teo I think they get rid of Masa somehow. Teo would fit in very well as the Right Handed power DH part time outfielder.
Teo has always hit well in Fenway it makes sense but have to move on from Masa if you add him. Pitching is also a bigger need than a right handed power hitter so if they go this route the better be ready to go past the lux tax.
Bruin1012 – Please tell me you don’t support the idea of adding TEO when we need a SP1 and SP2.. It makes absolutely no sense. Next they’ll be adding a DH or two.
How is adding TEO a step forward rather than backward in trying to improve the OVERALL roster?
Kristian Campbell could be better than Hernandez. Less power, probably, but a better overall game.
Saga relax I have been saying pitching, pitching and more pitching. I’m simply saying if they can somehow swap Teo for Masa as the DH I’d be fine with that. Pitching at least one tor starter and a high end bullpen piece or two has to be the priority.
I’d be fine with swapping Yoshida for Hernandez, but I’m guessing that would require an additional $60M plus over the next few years. Like you, I would rather see that money spent on pitching.
Teo is an integral part of the team and definitely should be signed. He provided consistent offense, while also being a positive influence in the clubhouse alls eason. He’s a winner and the Dodgers should prioritize bringing him back. Teo, Buehler, Adames and Friend should be the main priorities this offseason and not Soto.
If guys are into sports betting and need picks, go check out @Lowkeyrothstein on instagram
How much time did you spend in the Dodgers’ clubhouse?
Soto is also a winner: two World Series appearances and one title before age 26.
Teoscar would ideally work for the Red Sox if there wasn’t any nuance to solving the problem.
I don’t think it’s the salary that’s going to be too rich for Boston; it’s the lost draft pick. Yes, Boston has been cheap lately, but I expect this contract will be reasonable and the Sox would do it. What they won’t do is forfeit a draft pick to sign a FA who’s only marginally better than other options out there.
If the Orioles sign Teoscar and would cost a second overall team draftpick, would they lose their incentive pick at the end of the 1st rd for having Colton Cowser win ROY ?? That would be big loss for the team wouldn’t it
I’d rather the Orioles just re-sign Santander than sign Hernandez and I don’t even want to re-sign Santander.
If I’m the Dodgers I re-sign Teoscar and pass on Soto. Get more starting pitching.
Teoscar loved playing in LA and he was great in the clubhouse with chemistry.
Get Walker Buehler re-signed and place a bid on Sugano or Sasaki to build up the starting pitching staff.
Yamamoto, Glasnow, Buehler, Sugano or Sasaki, Kershaw.
Maybe go with a 6 man rotation and add Dustin May to that.
For the playoffs, just go with the top 4 in that rotation.
Get Kike Hernandez and Blake Treinen re-signed as well.
This team really plays well together.
Alot of high end talent with no egos and some glue guys that are productive.
Defense is important. There were multiple comments in this article that his defense is not good, and he would cost a pick that the Orioles can ill afford to surrender, so I hope the Orioles will look elsewhere.
Defense is overrated. Except in the 5th inning.
I don’t see Soto coming to la. I see la as a way to increase Boris leverage with the nets and Yankmes.
Why is Mookie going back to the infield?? Edmond proved he’s an everyday player. Mookie is probably one of the best RFs in the game. Any Red Sox fans feel the curse of Mookie yet???
The move to remote working is the curse John Henry is feeling in his commercial real estate portfolio. When people have to go back to the office, Henry will spend again….
I would rather re-sign T.O….He’s athletic, has power and makes decent contact. He’s the incumbent player on the team and I don’t see a huge upgrade. Teoscar has more durability but he is less athletic. Teoscar hits a bit harder but not enough to make up for the difference in athletic ability in the field. The Red Sox are deep enough in the grass to handle an occasional injury from T.O….These Red Sox are players that can fly around the bases, hit for power and in the outfield field their positions. I’d like to see the Sox get a 3B and move Devers to DH. I’d start Story on 2B come ST and let Raffaella grow into SS. Story with his injury history I don’t think is durable enough for short anymore.
If the Sox aren’t interested in playing him, why isn’t Trevor Story’s name showing up in the ‘who they trade for….’ Conversations?????
Teo will be back w LA but 3/60 seems a little light. they just gave him 23 for one fabulous year and his presence is a lot more than just his bat. big time clutch hits and breathless enthusiasm are his card.
Thanks for asking Joe, hanging in there day to day is how I’ll put it. Been a pretty rough summer and early fall as far as relapse goes and a plethora of new/increased side effects.
As for the fun part of your other question though, I’ll say all the pony cars have their share of warts. The challenger stats are strong on paper, but a little misleading.
I know in the past we’d talked about the GT mustangs so I’ll compare it to that for context
Challenger Scat: highest gross ratings at 485/475 it’s the heaviest, usually in the 4400-4500lb range, and, when they dyno stock ones due to drivetrain parasitic loss I saw a 331hp, 421 lbft result. tap.fremontmotors.com/challenger-scatpack-on-the-d…
Also, peak hp is up above 6k rpm and peak torque above 4k. That’s also why the automatics typically launch in 2nd gear in the 8spd slushbox. Rear gearing is usually only a 3.09 ratio, better for fuel mileage, worse for acceleration but a trade they made for CAFE numbers, and because it’s so heavy.
Summary: a heavy lady that won’t feel the most responsive or nimble in stock form, but, fun. Makes its power at a higher rpm. Also note as heavy as it is, they used extremely thin sheet metal. So thin that they had issues for a number of years with the panel bond adhesive at the factory (especially roof) causing spontaneous small dents to appear while parked in garages.
Mustang GT: 3700lb range, rated 460hp 435 lb ft. Ford played the insurance game of reportedly *underrating* the engine power level as there was a shop that did a stock dyno pull with the factory option gt performance pack 1 that had 415hp 397 lb ft at the rear wheels. It also carries a steeper 3.55 rear axle ratio. autoevolution.com/news/2018-ford-mustang-gt-dyno-p…
Takeaways: lighter car, less parasitic power drain on an engine that was underrated (made more power than advertised) with taller gears so it will have better acceleration. More of that power is getting to the pavement.
The higher numerically the axle ratio is the faster it accelerates because at a given speed the rpms are higher, putting you into the higher power bands of an engine sooner.
Biggest cons, less roomy especially in the back seat, but, has an overly large trunk for what it is. Paint coverage from the factory wasn’t the best in rear window channels or door jamb surfaces so watch for surface rust or touch up the paint there if it gets thin.
At this point maintenance is key as any performance car has likely seen some spirited driving. By 2018 there should’ve already been factory improvements to the valve train area, but, earlier hemi engines in those challengers (and ram trucks for that matter) were prone to failures and ruining camshafts.
GA, refreshing post. Thank you for going outside the box and providing this. I think most can appreciate the information to some degree or another, even if it’s just a distraction from the worries of life.
Speaking of the worries of life, sorry to read of your struggles. Not sure if it is welcome but I will send a prayer up today on your behalf.., and I always refer Matthew chapter 8 to those who are interested. God bless and thanks again.
Appreciated and my thanks to you Gary.
For whatever reason this was supposed to be for Joe’s comment above, but, I’m sure something I did had it go here instead of there. Plenty of attention lapses these days. But every few months we’ll slip in some non-strictly-baseball content into our conversations. If nothing else, it gives a touch of community feel to the boards so long as it doesn’t go to excess
Yes and I love that. A certain part of me who has recognized the names over 15 plus years here would love to have a little get together or something where we could all have a root beer and talk about all this stuff that we do here. Perhaps that’s the excess you mention but I think it would be just great.
The basketball site too, a good group of guys overall, and in the dream world it be great to have a huge Meetup and talk trash with each other.
It’ll never happen but the occasional post like yours help in developing and reminding us of the community we have here.
I’ve met a couple of the posters here, some at fenway, some elsewhere, and it’s always been fun. Usually happens when one or another of us are traveling to see a ballgame.
Health and schedules willing, I’m always up for meeting more as well. Never gave much thought to a group get together though, seemed too hard logistically to iron out although I’d suppose it could work depending on what part of the country and where geographically pockets of us are located in.
Oh wow that’s cool. Sounds great you were able to pull something like that off.
I have a group of buddies that lived in San Diego at some point in their lives and we’ve kept in touch.
We meet once or twice a year in Nashville or wherever for a guy’s four day weekend and it’s always a blast. One former NBA guy on a championship team, and he always has great stories to share.
Again, thanks for sharing your experience.
GASoxFan – Hope some day we get to talk in person. Having grand kids has forced us to move back to the north east despite loving the southern climate. Having had a rough year myself, I’m glad to hear when things go better for the folks who write on this site and have the long standing love for the game. I wish you continued success and I look forward to day I happen across your path by accident or in a planned manner.
Saga – my leukemia got worse through the summer, so, my 3 month visits went back to monthly…. for now. We’ll see what the spring holds.
But, I’d gladly buy you a drink in the fens then catch a game with you and anyone else fairly local one of the trips up this next season… as long as Henry cracks open that dusty wallet. I’ve gone from spending tens of thousands per season at fenway to zero since they aren’t investing in the team. TV is good enough at that point. It’s not like they’re banking money they’ll splurge on an ohtani-style contract once they do spend to contend, so, in the meantime I refuse to pad his wallet.
One thing that’s always fun is monster seats for the futures doubleheader days each year. Even buying on the secondary market, irs under $100 a ticket and a cheap way to have a monster experience not once, but twice.
LOL! I love reading your reviews if only because it forces me to leave all my comfort zones. Just another fascinating review my friend. I need to absorb all this and re-evaluate my positions. That’s a good thing.
Sad to hear that the health is not where it should be. You are n my prayers.
I read your post below and do not disagree. I get a little annoyed when some teams have no local support, but the fans expect huge payrolls. But in this case, the RS should be spending more. Hopefully we can combine our financial strength with our farm and become a serious threat once again.