Dodgers All-Star explains how he almost joined AL East team in offseason

Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez told the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast that he was close to joining the Boston Red Sox over the offseason before ultimately signing a one-year, $23.5M contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January.

The Home Run Derby champion and two-time All-Star said that the Red Sox offered him a two-year, $28M deal but wouldn't up the ante to three years, which could've made the difference.

Unsurprisingly, the Dodgers have a healthy seven-game lead atop the NL West at 56-41, and Hernandez has been even better than advertised.

In a loaded lineup that includes NL MVP contender Shohei Ohtani and three additional All-Stars (catcher Will Smith, first baseman Freddie Freeman and middle infielder Mookie Betts), the 31-year-old is second only behind Ohtani in home runs (19) and RBI (62). Those numbers rank tied for fifth and seventh in MLB, respectively.

Hernandez also won the NL Player of the Week Award for June 3-9, when he went 9-for-25 with four home runs, three doubles, six runs and 10 RBI.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, have been a pleasant surprise over the first half and are just 4.5 games behind the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles at 53-42.

Boston's offense has been spearheaded by All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers and breakout center fielder Jarren Duran, who made his first Midsummer Classic this week and was named the game's MVP.