Red Sox and Kiké Hernandez agree to terms on a multi-year deal
The Boston Red Sox and utility infielder Kiké Hernandez have come to terms on a multi-year deal. With Jose Peraza non-tendered and top-100 prospect Jeter Downs still developing in the minors, this deal will give Boston flexibility not only at second base but around the diamond considering Hernandez’s ability to play multiple positions. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com was the first to report the news and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal has added that it’s a two-year/$14M contract.
The 29-year-old is an ideal pick up for Chaim Bloom’s Red Sox considering neither of the slated second basemen for 2021 is a natural at the keystone. A player with defensive versatility will give Boston breathing room, particularly around the middle infield and outfield. His ability to move around the field also opens a world of versatility for Alex Cora that the team hasn’t seen since the departure of Brock Holt.
The Red Sox and INF/OF Enrique Hernández have agreed to a multi-year deal, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 23, 2021
With a current tandem of Michael Chavis and Christian Arroyo set to split time at second base this upcoming season, the Red Sox sought out additional backup to play the position. While Hernandez will not be expected to hold down second base on an everyday basis, he stands to see a decent amount of time at second with the ability to address other holes defensively.
Among the other candidates to fill the void in the utility role included Marwin Gonzalez, Jurickson Profar (who has since signed with the Padres), and Brad Miller. The team also explored options for traditional second basemen, including Kolten Wong among others, but ultimately decided Hernandez was the best candidate.
The former Dodger has played every single position besides catcher in his six-year career, so it’s safe to say the next Swiss army knife has found his way to Boston. In 48 games last season, the multi-position player produced a slash line of .230/.270/.680 over 139 at-bats. The corresponding move to make room for Hernandez should be an interesting one considering the team now has a cog of middle infield depth (Jonathan Arauz, Chavis, Arroyo) and has made some questionable 40-man roster decisions in recent months.
Signing Hernandez could very well be the official statement of Dustin Pedroia’s intent to retire and call it a career. For what it’s worth, Boston not only picked up a diverse talent in Hernandez but a new clubhouse character which could be a real morale boost for a team that could use a pick me up after a rough season in 2020. As of now, Red Sox fans can rest easy knowing that the question mark for versatility in both the outfield and infield has been answered, and more transactions are likely to follow.