Dodgers' Teoscar Hernández Details Why He Didn't Sign With Red Sox in Free Agency

Patrick Andres | Jul 18, 2024

Jul 9, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández (37) in action against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

On Jan. 12, outfielder Teoscar Hernández inked a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The pact proved savvy on both sides, as the Dodgers invested in Hernández returning to his All-Star form while Hernández invested in playing for baseball's most talented team.

So far, Hernández's decision has paid off. The ninth-year slugger made the All-Star team, won the Home Run Derby, and helped Los Angeles build a seven-game lead in the NL West entering the All-Star break.

However, his free agency almost unfolded differently, as he discussed in a brief hit for the podcast Baseball Isn't Boring.

"It was two years, $28 (million)," Hernández said of the Boston Red Sox's offer to him this offseason. "I was not going to go and spend my free agency trying to get a bad deal."

BIB on the Go: Teoscar Hernandez Details Why He DIdn't Land In Boston
Listen here ➡️ https://t.co/N1LW7SV0i2 pic.twitter.com/8PA0nMKQUz

— Baseball Isn’t Boring (@BBisntBoring) July 18, 2024

The Red Sox, who have spent most of the last decade curbing their formerly robust spending, are currently holding on to the American League's final wild-card spot.

"At the end of the day, I love the Red Sox and it was one of my favorite teams," Hernández said. "At the end of the day I have to make what is best for me and my career and my family."

The Dodgers and Boston are scheduled to meet in a three-game series this weekend.