Mariners Slugger Reportedly 'High' On Red Sox's Offseason Free Agent List
The Boston Red Sox could use another right-handed slugger to add to the middle of the lineup.
Boston's lineup is left-handed heavy and the Red Sox likely will be losing one of their best righties from the 2023 campaign. The Red Sox signed Justin Turner in free agency last year but he likely will be playing elsewhere when the 2024 campaign rolls around. Boston will be on the lookout for a new righty and one player who could be an option is former Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners slugger Teoscar Hernández, according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham.
"Teoscar Hernández is going to get a much bigger contract than you expect for a career .261 hitter with a .316 on-base percentage," Abraham said. "He has an .803 OPS the last three seasons with 83 homers and he crushes lefties. For teams such as the Red Sox, who need right-handed power, he’ll be high on the list."
Hernández is an intriguing name to look out for. He is 31 years old and has hit at least 25 home runs in each of the last four full seasons -- not including the 2020 shortened campaign. Last season he hit 26 home runs, drove in 93 runs, and clubbed 29 doubles for the Mariners. Plus, Hernández could provide the Red Sox with more outfield depth. There's a strong chance the Red Sox will trade away at least one outfielder this offseason and Hernández could help fill in.
Free agency officially has begun and it wouldn't be too surprising to see the Red Sox make a major splash quickly.
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