Dodgers Offseason Blow: LA Predicted to Lose $71 Million Two-Time All-Star to Red Sox
The Los Angeles Dodgers are riding high after winning their second World Series title in the last five years. Following their victory, they signed left-hander Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract.
They do have some questions to answer. Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was a vital piece to the puzzle during their championship run, but he is now a free agent.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report expects Los Angeles to lose him to the Boston Red Sox this winter.
“The Red Sox took care of their own ace need by trading for Garrett Crochet. Now what they need is right-handed bats, among whom Hernández is more of a natural fit than guys like Bregman and Pete Alonso,” Rymer wrote.
“There would appear to be mutual interest here, as Hernández is reportedly intrigued by Boston and vice versa. The slugger knows what it’s like to rake at Fenway Park, as he has a .950 OPS and 14 home runs as a visitor there for his career.”
Hernandez would be a good fit in Boston, as they need right-handed power. As for the Dodgers, losing Hernandez would be disappointing after he played such a key role in getting them to the World Series.
Still, the free agent market is rich with sluggers, and the Dodgers could possibly pivot to somebody like Anthony Santander, who would be good fit in Los Angeles.
Even if the Dodgers do lose Hernandez, they have plenty of resources to go out and make a blockbuster signing to replace him. We’ll see if they’re able to keep him or if they’ll need to go out and sign somebody else.
