NEW YORK - Teoscar Hernandez has given the Red Sox fans another reason to pay close attention to the postseason.
The outfielder is not only playing a key role in the Dodgers' current run through the National League Championship Series, but also represents what might be when it comes to constructing the 2025 Red Sox.
Hernandez, who will be eligible for free agency five days after the conclusion of the World Series, is not only good fit for what the Sox are looking for, but also has made it clear on numerous occasions Fenway Park is at the top of his list when it comes to preferred places to call home.
The latest proclamation came prior to the Dodgers' Game 4 win when appearing on the Baseball Isn't Boring podcast.
"Everything about that field is good," Hernandez said. "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. 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."
This wouldn't be the first time Hernandez and Red Sox flirted with each other in the offseason, with the Sox offering the outfielder a two-year, $28 million deal last winter. But with Boston unwilling to go to the three-year commitment sought by Hernandez, the now 32-year-old settled on Los Angeles' one-year, $23.5 million deal.
This time around the pursuit is a bit more convoluted thanks to the Dodgers' ability to extend a qualifying offer to Hernandez, which would seem to be a very likely scenario considering it would cost LA relatively the same amount of money it paid the outfielder this season ($21.05 million) for one season if he accepts.
The Dodgers would undoubtedly welcome Hernandez back considering his output in 2024, which saw him play in 154 games, hit .272 with an .840 OPS and 33 home runs. If he declines the QO, any team (other than the Dodgers) that ultimately signs the righty hitter would need to surrender draft pick compensation.
The Red Sox weren't saddled with that reality a last offseason since Seattle didn't tag Hernandez with a qualifying offer heading into free agency.
"When you are going through something that is not new, you’re prepared for it. So now that I have been through free agency, it’s not going to be anything to worry about," he said. "I think I’m going to have a job next year, either for one year, two years, three years or whatever it is. But right now I’m focused on the things I need to do.
"It’s going to be the same. Obviously, I’m going to try and go wherever I think is best for me and my family. And, obviously, where I can get a big chance to win. For me, winning is the priority. Obviously, I want a good contract and all of that, but winning is everything for me."
As for the Red Sox' interest in Hernandez this time around, the fit is potentially just as seamless as last offseason. With Tyler O'Neill also eligible for free agency, the team needs a power-hitting right-handed outfielder to balance off a group that currently boasts lefty-hitting Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, and rookie Roman Anthony. Designated hitter Masa Yoshida - who just underwent shoulder surgery - may also be in the mix early in the regular season.
The Sox, however, won't be alone in their pursuit of Hernandez, who also drew interest from the Angels last offseason before narrowing it down to Boston and Los Angeles. With the seasons-worth of familiarity in the bank, prying the free agent away from his current team figures to be an obstacle even the lure of Fenway might not be able to overcome.
"It’s a little better than I thought it would be," said Hernandez of his time with the Dodgers. "Obviously, I learned a lot in the couple of months I have been here. It is a wonderful organization. It’s been a blessing. The things that I have learned in these couple of months … I have learned to be a better player and a better person. It’s been great.
"You learn. Every step of your career you learn something new. Obviously, this one put me in free agency, but at the same I don’t think about much of what is going to happen next. I’m trying to finish this one and stay focused on the things I have to do for the Dodgers and for my career."