The Boston Red Sox face a significant challenge in addressing their lack of right-handed power hitters before Opening Day. With Tyler O’Neill now a Baltimore Oriole, the team has no returning right-handed hitter who reached the 20-home-run mark last season. Only Trevor Story, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Connor Wong are expected to be part of the Opening Day lineup as righties.
A prime candidate to fill this gap is Teoscar Hernández, who recently completed a standout season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Hernández, fresh off earning a World Series ring, has expressed a preference to remain in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old slugger’s future with the Dodgers is uncertain, though, as contract negotiations have hit a roadblock. Hernández reportedly seeks a three-year deal worth $22–24 million annually, a figure the Dodgers appear reluctant to meet, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
This impasse could open the door for the Red Sox. Content creator Jim Riley has speculated that Hernández might need to explore other options, with Boston emerging as a strong contender. Riley noted Boston’s commitment to spending aggressively for a right-handed power bat, making Hernández an ideal fit.
Hernández has an impressive track record at Fenway Park, where he has hit 14 home runs and posted a .600 slugging percentage over 45 games. If the Dodgers remain unwilling to meet his demands, the Red Sox could act decisively by offering a three-year, $72 million deal. Such an offer might persuade Hernández to leave Los Angeles for Boston’s lineup.
