WIth Juan Soto signing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, the rest of the outfield market is now very much open to business, with the Boston Red Sox reportedly eyeing one of the top remaining options.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported Monday that “according to sources, the Red Sox are said to prefer Teoscar Hernández to Anthony Santander, while the Toronto Blue Jays favor the switch-hitting Santander. The New York Yankees checked in on Hernández a couple of times early in the offseason, but a source called those talks ‘very preliminary,’ as the club was focused on retaining Soto.”
Hernández, 32, was fantastic for the Los Angeles Dodgers during their run to a World Series title this past season, hitting .272 with 33 homers, 99 RBI, 84 runs, 12 stolen bases and a .840 OPS while playing both corner outfield spots.
Contrast that to the 30-year-old Santander, who hit .235 with 44 homers, 102 RBI, 91 runs, two stolen bases and a .814 OPS for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, primarily operating as the team’s everyday right-fielder.
Both players will be popular targets in free agency, though the Red Sox will be competing with the Dodgers in any pursuit of Hernández:
The Red Sox have publicly said they would be spenders this winter as they look to improve upon 2024’s disappointing 81-81 record.
“Even if it takes us over the CBT,” team president and CEO Sam Kennedy told reporters in November. “Our priority is 90 to 95 wins, and winning the American League East, and winning the division for multiple years… There is an extreme urgency internally to be competing for the American League East Championship and to set ourselves up for a deep postseason run in 2025 without question. The goal is to win 90-plus games to not be worrying about a Wild Card spot.”
The Red Sox have gone the last three seasons without a postseason berth. Signing a player like Hernández would be a strong indication that they plan on reversing that trend.
