Teoscar Hernandez A Terrific Plan B

No, I’m not giving up on Soto, but I am thinking about what happens if we don’t get him back in the Bronx.  If the Yanks aren’t doing that we have a problem. You always have to be ready just in case.

Look, the Yankees are all-in on Juan Soto, and fans are already picturing his majestic swings sending balls to Mars—or at least into the second deck at Yankee Stadium. But with the Soto sweepstakes reaching absurd heights—$700 million over 15 years and counting—the Bombers might need a backup plan if they’re outbid by another team with even deeper pockets (we’re looking at you, Steve Cohen). Fear not, Yankees fans: Plan B doesn’t have to be boring. Say hello to Teoscar Hernández, the affordable power bat who could still light up the Bronx.

Let’s face it: losing out on Soto would sting. But snagging Teoscar Hernández wouldn’t just ease the pain; it might even make you forget you were chasing a $700 million dream. Coming off a stellar 2024 with the Dodgers, where he slashed .272/.339/.501 with 33 homers and 99 RBIs, Teoscar is the kind of under-the-radar superstar who can bring the thunder without the sticker shock.

The best part? At five years and $100 million (shoutout to Bleacher Report for the scoop), Hernández is a steal compared to Soto’s mega-deal. That leaves the Yankees with cash to throw at other shiny toys—like, say, Max Fried or Corbin Burnes. Imagine pairing Hernández’s bat with a reinforced rotation. That’s what we call winning the offseason without needing a billionaire’s piggy bank.

Teoscar’s not just about hitting bombs; he’s versatile, too. Sure, he’s most comfortable in right field, but sliding over to left is no problem for him. With Aaron Judge possibly patrolling center, Hernández would slide into left field like he’s been there all along. Oh, and did we mention he’s already got a shiny 2024 World Series ring from his time in L.A.? Bring on the postseason swagger.

Hernández wasn’t supposed to be here—at least not according to his 2023 season with the Mariners, which was, well, forgettable. But after signing a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers, he exploded for a career-high 33 homers and helped carry them to a championship. That’s the kind of redemption arc Yankees fans eat up.

The Yankees are taking their shot at Soto. They always do. But if he ends up somewhere else (seriously, Steve Cohen, don’t ruin this for me), the Bombers aren’t sunk. Teoscar Hernández brings pop, versatility, and value to a team that needs all three. Plus, with the cash they save, they can chase another ace, upgrade a bench spot, or finally spring for that bullpen hot tub Yankee fans keep joking about.

Bottom line? Whether it’s Soto or Hernández, the Yankees are gearing up for 2025. And if Teoscar ends up being Plan B, he might just turn out to be Plan Brilliant.  Just saying…

Stay tuned.