Missed Opportunity: Red Sox Regret Not Securing Teoscar Hernandez as Outfielder Dominates with Dodgers

During his tenure as the new general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Craig Breslow vowed an offseason of aggressive moves; however, the team ended up on the sidelines for much of the free agency period, missing out on some key opportunities. One of the targets they heavily pursued was outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who ultimately signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez revealed on the Flippin’ Bats Podcast in February that the Red Sox hesitated to offer more than a two-year contract, leading him to choose the Dodgers.

Teoscar Hernandez’s recent performance with the Dodgers has made the Red Sox’s decision to not secure him appear regrettable. In a series against the New York Yankees, Hernandez showcased his prowess by going 6-for-11 with three home runs and nine RBI, solidifying his reputation as a Yankee killer. He currently ranks second in the National League for home runs and third in RBI, illustrating his impact on the field.

Additionally, Hernandez has excelled at Fenway Park throughout his career, boasting a .950 OPS with 14 home runs and 44 RBI in 45 games played. This remarkable performance at the Red Sox’s home ballpark highlights the missed opportunity for Boston to add his offensive capabilities to their roster, especially considering their struggles in generating runs at home.

Despite being in contention for an AL Wild Card spot with their current roster, the Red Sox’s lack of urgency in acquiring a player of Hernandez’s caliber raises questions about their strategic decision-making during the offseason. While the team focuses on nurturing their young talent and aiming for a playoff berth, Hernandez’s success with the Dodgers serves as a stark reminder of what could have been for the Red Sox.