Padres Described as ‘Perfect Landing Spot’ for All-Star Pitcher in Free Agency
The Padres’ front office created a massive hole in the outfield when they traded away both Juan Soto and Trent Grisham. Outside of Platinum Glove winner Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ only other outfielder is Jose Azocar.
Enter Teoscar Hernandez, a right-handed power bat who can play a little left field when called upon. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report sees a perfect fit between Hernandez and the Friars,
Even before trading Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees, Teoscar Hernández to the Padres made roster sense…
Now that Soto’s gone, though, not only is San Diego’s need for an OF/DH much, much greater, but it also now has the room in the budget to sign one who figures to command a salary in the $17-20 million range.
Hernandez, 31, slugged 26 home runs last year in pitcher-friendly T-Mobile park up in Seattle. He also hit 29 doubles and drove in 93 runs providing the Mariners with much-needed offense.
Unlike Soto, discipline at the plate is not Hernandez’s calling card. He struck out 211 times and only walked 38 times.
He also provides “exciting” defense in left field but Friars faithful are used to that.
The Padres may not have to suffer his defense though. They also have a hole at DH after the front office traded Matt Carpenter to the Braves.
The front office could sign Hernandez to primarily DH but also play in LF occasionally. This could make his high asking price of around $20 million more manageable if he also plays the field.
One way or another, Hernandez would provide some serious pop into the lineup. It would not make up for the likes of Soto, but it could lessen the blow of losing him.
With more financial flexibility, the Padres could do a lot worse than pay Hernandez to anchor their lineup for a few years.
