BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 22: Darwinzon Hernandez #63 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after allowing four runs during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners cat Fenway Park on April 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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The Boston Red Sox could have an interesting opportunity to revisit a familiar name as they continue evaluating their pitching options for the 2027 season.

The organization has several decisions to make this offseason, particularly when it comes to building a bullpen capable of supporting its rotation. While Boston will have plenty of established free agents and trade candidates to consider, the international market could also offer some intriguing possibilities.

One former Red Sox pitcher has spent the past several seasons rebuilding his career overseas after struggling to establish himself in the major leagues. His departure from Boston came after command issues undermined some otherwise impressive strikeout numbers, leaving questions about whether his raw stuff would ever translate into consistent big-league success.

Now, however, the 29-year-old left-hander is looking for another opportunity in MLB after putting together an impressive stretch in Japan.

Former Boston Red Sox Pitcher Eyes MLB Return

According to Boston Globe reporter Alex Speier, Darwinzon Hernandez is interested in returning to the majors after spending the last four seasons with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.

“Left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez, who improved his control and has excelled in NPB over the last four years (2.46 ERA, 31 percent strikeout rate, 8 percent walk rate), is looking to return to MLB. He turns 30 in December,” Speier reported.

Hernandez originally reached the majors with Boston in 2019 after developing within the organization’s farm system. He spent parts of four seasons with the Red Sox, appearing in 91 games and recording an uneven 5.06 ERA across 85 1/3 innings.

The left-hander always possessed considerable strikeout ability, fanning 32.3% of opposing hitters during his major-league tenure. However, his 17.7% walk rate proved difficult to overcome. Boston designated him for assignment in January 2023 before he eventually landed with the Baltimore Orioles. After being released that July, he signed with the SoftBank Hawks.

His subsequent performance in Japan suggests he has made meaningful progress. Hernandez has maintained his ability to miss bats while substantially reducing the number of hitters he allows to reach base through walks.

Boston Red Sox Veteran Could Offer MLB Teams Low-Cost Option

There are still reasons for potential suitors to exercise caution. Nippon Professional Baseball can be a more pitcher-friendly environment than MLB, and improved command overseas does not necessarily guarantee the same results against major-league hitters.

Nevertheless, Hernandez could become an intriguing alternative for teams that miss out on more established left-handed relievers.

“The lefty relief market is highlighted by Adrián Morejón but also features Alex Vesia, Steven Okert, JoJo Romero and plenty of others,” Darragh McDonald noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “For teams who miss out on those options, they could perhaps look to Hernández as a low-cost alternative.”

For Boston, a reunion could offer an opportunity to evaluate how much Hernandez has changed since his previous stint with the organization. Whether the Red Sox pursue that possibility or another MLB club takes a chance on the left-hander, his success overseas has given him a new opportunity to get back to the majors.