Red Sox eye Hernández, Santander, and elite pitchers if Soto deal falls through
Oct 29, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning during game four of the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Boston Red Sox are making waves in the offseason market, but despite their reported interest in Juan Soto, it seems their focus might be shifting. According to MLB insider Jim Bowden, Boston has other priorities in mind as they aim to strengthen their roster.
In a mailbag column for The Athletic, Bowden shared his thoughts:
“I also see them adding a bat, with [Teoscar] Hernández or [Anthony] Santander more likely than Soto.”
Hernández’s Fenway aspirations
Teoscar Hernández has long been linked with Boston, even before joining the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. The 2024 campaign proved fruitful for Hernández—he played a pivotal role in securing a World Series title for the Dodgers while posting a .272 batting average and crushing a career-high 33 home runs.
What’s more, Hernández has publicly expressed his interest in playing at Fenway Park, making him a natural fit for the Red Sox as they seek to add power to their lineup.
Santander’s consistent power
Anthony Santander is another name in the mix. The 30-year-old switch-hitter has spent his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, building a reputation as a reliable slugger. Last season, Santander hit a career-best 44 home runs, further cementing his status as a solid offensive option.
While his career batting average sits at .246, Santander’s power at the plate could fill the void in Boston’s right-handed lineup.
Bigger moves on the pitching front
Beyond adding a bat, Boston is heavily invested in upgrading their pitching rotation. Bowden highlighted three significant names on their radar:
“They seem more committed to the starting pitching side of the market and are playing on Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Roki Sasaki. And I won’t be surprised if they land two of them.”
Adding elite starters like Burnes, Fried, or the young Japanese phenom Sasaki could be transformative for the Red Sox. With pitching being a glaring need, Boston appears poised to make aggressive moves.
Soto still dominates the headlines
Despite all the chatter about Hernández, Santander, and potential pitching acquisitions, Soto’s name remains at the forefront of offseason discussions. The 25-year-old superstar is arguably the most coveted free agent available, and his decision will set the tone for the rest of the market.
If the Red Sox miss out on Juan Soto, their contingency plan seems clear: add power with either Hernández or Santander while shoring up the rotation with at least one marquee arm. For Boston fans, it’s shaping up to be an exciting—and potentially transformative—offseason.
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Image: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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