The Boston Red Sox, fueled by their passionate fanbase, made a bold move by trading for rising star Garrett Crochet. The 25-year-old left-hander now anchors the rotation as a bona fide ace. However, Red Sox Nation remains anxiously awaiting the next steps from Craig Breslow and the front office.
Shortly after the Crochet deal, Breslow outlined his offseason priorities: adding another starter, a bullpen arm, and a right-handed bat. These are all pressing needs for the team, and one player who has consistently been linked to Boston is former Blue Jays and Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
Hernandez, a right-handed hitter, has excelled at Fenway Park throughout his career and would be a natural fit to strengthen the lineup. Last offseason, Boston showed interest in Hernandez but was unwilling to commit to the additional years he sought. Now, as a free agent, Hernandez finds himself in a similar standoff with both the Red Sox and the Dodgers.
Reports indicate that while Hernandez and the Dodgers share mutual interest, they have yet to agree on terms, largely due to his preference for no deferred payments and disagreements over signing bonuses and annual average value. Meanwhile, Boston’s negotiations with Hernandez appear to be at a standstill as well.
Instead of overcommitting to sign Hernandez, Breslow and the Red Sox have an alternative option available—one that could be just as effective, if not better, for the team’s needs.
Red Sox should pivot to Seiya Suzuki trade if Teoscar Hernandez demands are too much
During the Winter Meetings, reports emerged that the Cubs might not only be looking to trade Cody Bellinger but could also be open to moving outfielder Seiya Suzuki as part of cost-cutting measures. Suzuki, in fact, could be an ideal backup plan—or even a better primary option—for the Red Sox as they consider alternatives to Teoscar Hernández.
A quick comparison of Suzuki and Hernández on Baseball Savant shows they excel in similar areas, but Suzuki stands out with less swing-and-miss in his game, potentially making him the more reliable choice.
The feasibility of a Suzuki trade for the Red Sox hinges largely on what the Cubs would demand in return. Even with the recent Crochet deal, Boston still boasts a Top 10 farm system. However, since the Cubs’ primary motivation would likely be shedding salary, they might accept a more modest return if Boston is willing to absorb Suzuki’s contract.
Suzuki has two years remaining on his five-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $19 million, signed in 2022. Boston could theoretically take on the full salary, easing Chicago’s financial burden and potentially reducing the prospect cost of a deal. Even then, Suzuki could represent a more cost-effective option than signing Hernández in free agency.
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has been active this offseason, but so far, major acquisitions are limited to Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman. While there’s still time to make moves, Breslow needs to close deals. With Hernández seeming less likely, Suzuki should be a top priority for Boston’s roster plans.
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