Red Sox

“It could come down to the Sox and Dodgers.”

The Red Sox are still in the hunt for Juan Soto’s potentially largest contract in professional sports history.

But with the Mets, Yankees and Blue Jays all reportedly willing to pony up the same big payout to sign the superstar outfielder, there’s no guarantee Soto will call Fenway Park home in 2025 and beyond.

(UPDATE: The Red Sox fell just short in the Soto sweepstakes, as the outfielder reportedly signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets on Sunday night.)

How exactly will Craig Breslow and the rest of the Sox front office react if Boston loses Soto?

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Red Sox intend to “pursue Teoscar Hernandez if they don’t sign Juan Soto.” Feinsand added that Boston is believed to prefer Hernández over another free-agent slugger in Anthony Santander.

Hernández, who won a World Series in his first season with the Dodgers in 2024, is considered a leading candidate to re-sign with Los Angeles, especially after hitting 33 home runs and driving in 99 runs in 154 games.

However, Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe gave a glimpse into Hernandez’s thought process in free agency, noting that the 32-year-old outfielder is interested in calling Fenway Park home for the long term.

“Teoscar Hernández has told people he would rather stay with the Dodgers, but has long been intrigued by the idea of ​​playing at Fenway Park and is a fan of Alex Cora,” Abraham posted on X, citing multiple sources . “It could come down to the Sox and Dodgers.”

Hernandez has regularly praised Fenway Park, even while Los Angeles was competing for a title in October.

“Everything on this field is good,” Hernandez said on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. “And I don’t think it’s just me. I’m not the player to say that about Fenway. The atmosphere there is really good. The fans love the team. They go to the baseball stadium. And they support the team. For me that’s a big deal when you have a good fan base.

“But it was great here (with the Dodgers). Fans love this team. They go everywhere and support their players. Things will be a little difficult for me in the next free agency. It will be fun and of course I will try to make the best decision for myself and my family.”

Hernandez has thrived at Fenway Park over the years. In 45 career games at Boston’s ballpark, Hernandez hit 14 home runs, totaled 25 extra-base hits and drove in 44 runs.

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.