Red Sox reportedly plan to pursue this player if they lose on Juan Soto sweepstakes

“It could come down to the Sox and Dodgers.”

Teoscar Hernandez has thrived at Fenway Park over the years. (AP Photo/Jayne-Kamin-Oncea)

December 8, 2024

2 minutes to read

The Red Sox still remain in the hunt to sign Juan Soto to what could be the largest contract in professional sports history.

But with the Mets, Yankees, and Blue Jays all reportedly willing to pony up the same hefty payout to land the superstar outfielder, it’s far from any guarantee that Soto will call Fenway Park home in 2025 and beyond.

(UPDATE: The Red Sox came up short in the Soto sweepstakes, with the outfielder reportedly signing a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets on Sunday night.)

With Boston out on Soto, how exactly will Craig Breslow and the rest of the Sox’ front office pivot?

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Red Sox “intend to pursue Teoscar Hernandez if they don’t sign Juan Soto.” Feinsand added that Boston is “believed to prefer” Hernández over another free-agent slugger in Anthony Santander.

Hernández, who won a World Series in his first season with the Dodgers in 2024, is viewed as a top candidate to re-sign with Los Angeles, especially after slugging 33 home runs and driving in 99 runs over 154 games.

However, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe offered some insight into Hernandez’ thought process in free agency, noting that the 32-year-old outfielder is intrigued about calling Fenway Park home for the long haul.

“Teoscar Hernández has told people he would prefer to stay with the Dodgers but has long been intrigued by the idea of playing at Fenway Park and he’s a fan of Alex Cora,” Abraham posted on X, citing several sources. “It could come down to the Sox and Dodgers.”

Hernandez has regularly praised Fenway Park, even during Los Angeles’ run to a title in October.

“Everything about that field is good,” Hernandez said on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. “And I don’t think it’s only me. I’m not the player who is saying that about Fenway. The atmosphere over there is really good. The fans love the team. They go to the ballpark. And they support the team. For me, that’s a big thing when you have a good fan base.

“But it’s been great here [with the Dodgers]. Fans love this team. They go everywhere and they support their players. It’s going to be a little hard for me in the next free agency. It’s going to be fun, and obviously, I’m going to try and make the best decision for me and my family.”

Hernandez has thrived at Fenway Park over the years. In 45 career games at Boston’s ballpark, Hernandez has slugged 14 home runs, 25 total extra-base hits, and drove in 44 runs.