After the San Francisco Giants fell short in their pursuit of Juan Soto, hoping to secure a key player to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, the team’s management is now aiming for a strategic move that could both bolster their roster and weaken their divisional rival.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Giants are targeting Teoscar Hernández, a key contributor to the Dodgers’ World Series aspirations. If acquired, Hernández could form a dynamic pairing with Buster Posey, bringing new energy to a team that has struggled in recent seasons.
However, other experts, like Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic, pointed out that the team’s main constraint is their “limited resources” this offseason, with only around $30-40 million available to spend.
According to the report, the most humiliating aspect is that they couldn’t even get Juan Soto to meet in person to hear their offer, highlighting the team’s struggles in attracting talent. As a result, management opted to shift their approach, abandoning the pursuit of this season’s top prize and instead focusing on acquiring a quality player who could help them, even if it’s just to surpass 85 wins.
Is it realistic for the Giants to sign Teoscar Hernández?
Teoscar Hernández had an impressive season with the Dodgers, hitting 33 home runs, playing a key role in the World Series, and earning his first All-Star selection. Now, he is one of the most sought-after hitters on the market, available at a relatively affordable price and on a short-term deal.
Spotrac predicts that his next contract will be roughly three years for $71 million, meaning the team that signs him could secure a top-tier player with significant power at the plate.
According to Chris Landers of Fansided, “Hernández brings power to the table without the long-term financial commitment that could strain San Francisco’s budget.” He also pointed out that powerhouses like the Yankees and Dodgers are focused on Juan Soto, which could give the Giants an edge in pursuing Hernández.
So, what does Teoscar think? Reports suggest the slugger prefers to stay in Los Angeles, stating, “The Dodgers will be my priority in free agency. I’ll do everything I can to return. It’s not in my hands, but if it were, I’d choose them.” However, a substantial offer could potentially change his mind.
