Teoscar Hernández Reflects On Red Sox’s Free Agency Pursuit

The Boston Red Sox last offseason tried to add more power to the lineup, but they lost out to the Los Angeles Dodgers for this All-Star slugger.

Teoscar Hernández was the highlight of MLB All-Star weekend when he won the 2024 Home Run Derby in an entertaining clash against Bobby Witt Jr. Hernández has been a reliable bat for the Dodgers this season with 19 home runs and 62 RBIs off a .802 OPS, which earned him his second All-Star nod in his ninth big-league season.

Boston reportedly was among multiple teams interested in signing the 31-year-old, but Hernández ultimately chose to sign a one-year deal with Los Angeles. Ahead of the Red Sox's three-game series against the Dodgers starting this Friday, the two-time Silver Slugger reflected on his free agency decision.

"Obviously, I was not gonna go spend my free agency trying to get a bad deal because at the end of the day, I love the Red Sox. It was one of my favorite teams," Hernández told the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast Thursday. "And I love playing there (Fenway Park), but at the end of the day, I have to make what is best for me, and my career and my family."

Hernández confirmed he was offered a two-year, $28 million deal from Boston. However, it was not a contract that enticed him enough to play in the American League East again.

"At the end, honestly, I thought they were gonna make it (a third year), but unfortunately, they said they have to wait because they have to make some moves and all that stuff," Hernández said. "And I couldn't wait any longer."

The veteran outfielder praised Boston's roster and credited them for getting to where they were at the All-Star break. But Hernández would have been a good fit given he has 22 home runs and 67 RBIs off a .980 OPS in his seven-year career against the Red Sox.

Instead, Boston will look to hold off Hernández this weekend at Dodger Stadium, and if it does want a power boost in the lineup, it will have to look elsewhere.