After a bounce-back year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, outfielder Teoscar Hernández is drawing interest from multiple teams as he enters MLB free agency. The 32-year-old outfielder, who has consistently been a power threat over the past few seasons, is expected to be one of the most sought-after hitters on the market this winter.
Here’s a closer look at Hernández’s resurgence and the teams reportedly interested in acquiring his services:
Teoscar Hernández: A Successful Bounce-Back Year
Hernández entered the 2024 season on a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after struggling in 2023 with the Seattle Mariners. His gamble on himself paid off as he posted an impressive stat line:
- .272/.339/.501 slash line
- .840 OPS
- 33 home runs
- 32 doubles
- 99 RBI
This production helped him notch his first 30-homer season since 2021 and marked his most successful offensive campaign in three years. Hernández also had a solid postseason performance, hitting .250/.352/.417 with 3 home runs and 12 RBI, contributing to the Dodgers’ World Series title.
Despite his success in 2024, Hernández is set to become a free agent, and while the Dodgers would like to bring him back, two American League teams are reportedly making a strong push to land him.
MLB Rumors: Interest from the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox are two teams with strong interest in Hernández. Both teams are looking to bolster their lineups with a right-handed bat who can hit for power, and Hernández fits the bill perfectly.
Baltimore Orioles:
The Orioles are one of the top contenders in the American League, but their lineup took a step back in the postseason, especially against the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. Adding a reliable power hitter like Hernández would help stabilize their offensive production. The Orioles have also been focused on re-signing Corbin Burnes, but bolstering their offense is a key priority for them this winter. Hernández’s familiarity with the AL East from his time with the Toronto Blue Jays could make him a seamless fit for Baltimore’s lineup.
Boston Red Sox:
The Red Sox have also been heavily connected to Hernández, as they seek to improve their offense after another disappointing season. While they’ve been shedding payroll in recent years, there’s buzz that they might become active in free agency, especially with their relatively low payroll for 2025 ($136 million). Hernández would provide them with a right-handed bat with 30-homer potential to pair with their already potent offense. Like the Orioles, the Red Sox are no strangers to Hernández’s game, as he played for the Blue Jays in the same division for several years, making him an appealing target.
Hernández’s Fit for the Red Sox and Orioles
Both teams would benefit from adding Hernández to their roster, but there are some nuances to consider for each:
- Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have an exciting young core, and adding a veteran bat like Hernández could help them take the next step in the postseason. However, the Orioles’ focus on pitching (with Corbin Burnes as their top priority) might delay their pursuit of a big bat like Hernández unless they can strike quickly.
- Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox are in need of consistent right-handed power in the lineup, and Hernández would immediately fill that void. However, with ownership’s history of shedding payroll, there’s skepticism that they’ll open up their wallet to sign Hernández if they go after other free agents like starting pitchers. Still, if the Red Sox are serious about being competitive in 2025, Hernández could provide exactly what they need.
Defensive Liability but Big Offensive Potential
While Hernández provides solid offensive production, he does come with a downside—his defense. As a right fielder, he has been considered a liability in the field, which could affect his fit with certain teams. However, both Baltimore and Boston may be willing to overlook his defensive shortcomings if his bat can help push their teams into the postseason.
Given that Hernández has consistently hit 30-plus home runs in recent years, his offensive profile will likely outweigh his defensive limitations for both the Orioles and Red Sox. If one of these AL teams can secure his services, he could provide a major boost to their offense in 2025.
Conclusion:
Teoscar Hernández is set to be a key figure in MLB free agency, and with teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox expressing interest, his market is already heating up. After a strong season with the Dodgers, Hernández could be on the verge of securing a multi-year deal that could keep him in the AL East, where his offensive power could make a significant impact.
As the offseason progresses, expect more suitors to emerge, but for now, these two teams are at the forefront of the Hernández sweepstakes.