Red Sox: Marco Hernandez is ready to make his mark
By Johnny Carey
A strong spring wasn’t enough for Marco Hernandez to make the Red Sox Opening Day roster, but with injuries clearing a path for him he’s now ready to shine.
Lots of… let’s go with drama… has gone down over the past few days for the Boston Red Sox. We all know this, and we’re all probably sick of it (I know I am). So for everyone’s sake, I’m not here to analyze it any longer.
Instead, I’d like to point out a player somewhat under the radar who’s primed to shine for the Red Sox in the coming weeks. We all need something positive after two days off, after all.
You know him, and it’s more likely than not that you’re indifferent about him, but I’m here to change that.
Get ready to love Marco Hernandez.
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According to Soxprospects.com, Hernandez is the No. 6 prospect in the Red Sox organization. Still, the 24-year-old infielder largely receives little to no hype in the wake of the emergence of Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts.
It’s certainly not a bad problem to have for Boston. However, Hernandez is ready to join his former minor league teammates in the major league spot light.
Lost in the shuffle is that Hernandez was impressive for a 23-year old rookie last season (albeit over a small sample size). In 40 games, the infielder hit .294, while showing off impressive speed and an ability to hit to all fields. He stepped up when called upon, and was seemingly not phased whatsoever in his first go around the big leagues.
With the return of Pablo Sandoval, and an all-around stacked Boston lineup, Hernandez wasn’t really in the running for a starting job this spring. Despite drawing the short end of the stick, he continued to make a case for himself, hitting .377 with an OPS of 1.105.
It ultimately wasn’t enough, as Hernandez started the season in AAA, but he was called back up right away and received major league playing time due to an outbreak of the flu in the Boston clubhouse.
The question now is- what role will Hernandez fill going forward?
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox risk repeating rookie mistake with Eric Hosmer release
- Former MLB All-Star slams Red Sox for ’embarrassing’ treatment of Rafael Devers
- Red Sox invited group of players you’ve probably never heard of to Spring Training
- Jeter Downs’ official departure will continue to haunt Red Sox
- Aaron Judge’s Yankees return a brutal reminder of what could have been for Red Sox
Over the past few years, Red Sox fans have become accustomed to seeing Brock Holt take over for any and all injuries, en route to an All-Star appearance and fan favorite status. (Who didn’t love their pet Brock?)
In 2017, however, the do-it-all torch may be passed to Hernandez.
Holt himself is on the DL at the moment with vertigo, and while he hasn’t yet begun to play outfield or first base like Holt, Hernandez will fill in at second, third, and short with Sandoval and Holt on the DL.
He’s been impressive at the plate ever since his first promotion, showing a propensity for driving the ball the other way. He’ll never hit for much power, considering he’s only managed 31 homers in parts of seven minor league seasons, but that’s not a big issue.
His speed makes up for it.
Essentially, when I watch Hernandez, I see a more dynamic, better version of Brock Holt. Both don’t have much power, but Hernandez will hit for average much more consistently, and is much quicker on the base paths. He can really do it all for a team that could use a spark.
The next couple of weeks should showcase Hernandez’s skill set, and if all goes to plan, he’ll be a permanent part of the Red Sox lineup even earlier than the sixth best prospect in the organization was projected to be.
Next: Red Sox place Pablo Sandoval on DL
While I’m not saying that the #40 will ever stand next to #45 and #9 in right field, Marco Hernandez has a good shot to be a big-time contributor to the 2017 Red Sox and beyond. Hop on the bandwagon now, Red Sox fans.