Teoscar Hernandez to wait for Juan Soto free agency saga to unfold before negotiating with Dodgers, Red Sox or Yankees, per insider
Teoscar Hernandez entered free agency this winter after a successful season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, so many expect the club to re-sign him on a longer contract.
However, they will face stiff competition from the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, who are in the market for a outfielder with good production from the plate.
According to Red Sox podcaster Chris Cotillo, Hernandez will wait for the Juan Soto saga to unfold before making a decision on his future.
Having originally signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2011, Teoscar Hernandez made his major league debut with them in 2016.
He went on to play for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners, establishing himself as a powerful slugger and a capable outfielder. Hernandez was an instrumental part of the Dodgers lineup in their run to the World Series this year and is expected to attract plenty of interest as a free agent this offseason.
Hernandez's free agency has gotten off to a slow start, mostly because his market is exactly the same as top free agent Juan Soto. Hence, it makes sense that the market will heat up for the Dominican once his compatriot signs with a team in the coming days.
While reports suggest that the Dodgers are interested in signing him, there's also interest from the Yankees and the Red Sox. Ultimately, the teams that miss out on Soto will likely all look at Hernandez as the next best option this winter.
Latest projections predict that Teoscar Hernandez's next contract will cost just 10% of Juan Soto's asking price
While Juan Soto has dominated the free agent market this year, latest reports suggest that the Los Angeles Dodgers are one step away from signing Teoscar Hernandez.
LA has reportedly offered Hernandez a three-year, $60 million contract,, but the outfielder is expected to consider his options before making a decision.
With Soto looking for a record-breaking contract this winter, Hernandez is a considerably cheaper option who will cost somewhere around 10% of what Soto is asking for.
Despite being six years older than Soto, Hernandez is the reigning Home Run Derby champion and has many good years left in him. Thus, his market will surely heat up considerably soon after Soto signs his next contract.