The New York Mets are considering their choices in the Juan Soto bidding process. With experts recommending they diversify their offseason plans, one idea gaining traction is focusing on Teoscar Hernandez. An outfielder known for his versatility and power at the plate, Hernandez can offer them a reasonable cost estimated at around $60 million over multiple years.

Formerly of the Seattle Mariners and a key contributor to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 season, Teoscar Hernandez can be a great fit for the Mets’ needs. Given his stats and skills on the field, where he delivered a .262 batting average along with 28 home runs and 89 RBIs, Hernandez showcases his ability as a reliable hitter. His strong points include power at-bat experience and adaptability in field positions, making him a viable choice over Soto, whose contract demands may exceed $600 million.

The Mets’ financial gamble vs. roaster flexibility

As per the predictions of Fansided’s Zachary Rotman, “In an ideal world, the Mets sign a player like Teoscar Hernandez and have him play one of the corner outfield spots. It might not be super realistic to project Hernandez leaving the Dodgers, but hey, we can dream a bit, right?” The Mets are facing challenges in the Soto chase, including fierce competition from the Yankees and possibly the Dodgers, as both teams boast deep financial resources and championship aspirations. While owner Steve Cohen has expressed willingness to outbid competitors, Soto’s exorbitant price tag could restrict the team’s ability to address other needs, such as rebuilding their starting rotation.

Losing Sean Manaea and José Quintana to free agency leaves a gap that players like Corbin Burnes or Blake Snell could fill, but such pursuits also demand significant financial commitments. So, signing Teoscar Hernandez would provide a more cost-effective way to bolster the Mets’ offense while preserving resources for pitching upgrades. With Hernandez on board comes valuable playoff experience and leadership skills, which can boost the team’s chances of long-term success.

Moreover, Hernandez’s time with the Dodgers saw him excel in pressure situations while earning admiration from both fans and team management. Teoscar Hernandez might not command the same headlines as Juan Soto, but his acquisition could be a pivotal move for the Mets, ensuring a more balanced team heading into 2025. With David Stearns leading the Mets’ front office, such strategic thinking could help the franchise finally deliver on its lofty expectations.

Which other teams are in for Teoscar Hernandez’s pursuit?

Teoscar Hernandez is gaining attention in the free agent market, with many teams showing interest besides the Yankees. The Boston Red Sox and the San Francisco Giants are emerging as contenders for his signature, along with the Baltimore Orioles. The Red Sox are particularly keen to enhance their outfield with Hernandez’s power and versatility to add a right-handed bat to balance their lineup; he’s a key target to solidify their postseason ambitions, particularly after missing out on major free agents in the previous offseason.

Boston’s competitive position in the American League East makes landing a player like Hernandez critical to keeping pace with divisional rivals. Meanwhile, the Dodgers remain equally motivated to retain Teoscar Hernandez after his stellar 2024 season with the team. Both parties have expressed mutual interest in continuing their partnership, but Los Angeles faces the possibility of significant payroll pressure following the signing of Blake Snell.

While Hernandez’s market value, estimated at $60–70 million over three to four years, is manageable, the Dodgers must weigh this against other offseason priorities. This dynamic has created a competitive bidding war, with the Red Sox posing a legitimate threat to pry Hernandez away from Chavez Ravine. Ultimately, whether Teoscar Hernandez stays in Los Angeles or heads to New York or Boston will depend on the ability of both teams to balance their payrolls and prioritize their roster needs.

Who do you predict Teoscar will go for? Share in the comments.