Dodgers, Red Sox Reportedly Both Expressing Interest In Same Free Agent Slugger

It sounds like the Red Sox will have some stiff competition for one of their top free-agent targets

The Boston Red Sox could use another right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup.

It looks like the Red Sox are going to lose fan-favorite Justin Turner in free agency this offseason. He has a large market and reportedly will be playing elsewhere in 2024. Boston has been showing interest in All-Star slugger Teoscar Hernández and a move still could be on the horizon.

Although this is the case, the Red Sox certainly will have competition to land the slugger. One team that reportedly also is showing interest in Hernández is the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"Outfielder Teoscar Hernández: the best bat, non-Cody Bellinger division, left on the market," Passan said. "The Red Sox and Dodgers continue to express interest, though the (Los Angeles Angels) could make sense. So could a return engagement in Seattle, though the Mariners' payroll constraints are choking what should've been a bountiful winter."

Hernández fits a clear need for the Red Sox. The 31-year-old has spent time with the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners throughout his eight-year big league career. He earned his first All-Star nod last season with Seattle and impressed while slugging 26 home runs, 93 RBIs, and a .258/.305/.435 slash line. 

Boston needs another right-handed bat and Hernández would make a lot of sense. He is significantly younger than Turner and also could help out defensively in the outfield. If the Red Sox could land him, he could see time as a designated hitter but also rotate in the outfield and give someone like Masataka Yoshida a chance to see time at DH as well. 

Los Angeles has been the most active team in baseball this offseason so the Red Sox will have stiff competition, but a signing still could happen.

More MLB: Red Sox Elite Prospect May Be On Trade Block According To Latest Speculation