Red Sox Spring Training: Kiké Hernandez is the right choice to lead-off

Kiké Hernandez is excelling as the new Red Sox lead-off man

Though it’s only been two seasons, it’s felt like it’s been ages since the Red Sox had a solid and consistent lead-off man. Mookie Betts was electric in the role during the 2018 season and though he was still with the team for 2019, he didn’t get as much time in the spot. Last year was a nightmare up and down the lineup card but the first man up in the order was one of the worst.

However, with the addition of Kiké Hernandez to the squad and his consistent positioning as the number one guy, he’s proving to be the man Boston has been looking for. Not only is he quick on the base paths but he’s also showing great plate discipline which is needed in order to succeed as the lead-off batter.

Going into spring training there was a bit of a battle for the opening spot between Hernandez and Alex Verdugo. Interestingly enough, Hernandez fully embraced the challenge put forth by Alex Cora while Verdugo hinted that he wasn’t a fan of leading off last season. Still, AC would give his two choices their fair share to help make his decision but it’s been far and away a clear win for Kiké. Since then we’ve seen the lineup start to really take shape with Kiké and Dugie as a one-two punch at the top.

Let’s take a look at what the utilityman has done up to this point in spring and why I think he’s the right choice to be at the top of the order. Today alone, Hernandez went 3-4 with an RBI and a run, with a strikeout to round out his line. For the spring, he’s batting a wild .353 with a 1.047 OPS. Through this afternoon’s win against the Braves, he’s totaling 12 hits and 8 walks in 43 plate appearances.

Not only is he getting on base via hits but he’s showing patience by drawing nearly as many walks. Hernandez has only amassed six strikeouts this spring training as well, another sign of his plate discipline. That’s exactly what I want in my lead-off batter. Showing patience at the plate to not just swing away at everything to try and get on base but waiting for your pitches because walks get you on base just as easily as a single.

That was something that Betts was always good at that we didn’t quite see play out as well with guys like Verdugo and Andrew Benintendi in that position. Mookie would wait for his pitch and let it rip or he’d worked the pitch count to get himself a free pass to first base. I’m loving that Kiké is showing a similar gameplan at the plate and isn’t exhibiting anxiety to get something firing right out of the gate.

More from Red Sox News

• Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
• Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
• Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
• Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
• Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure

I once said that Jonny Gomes and Kevin Pillar were the only players qualified to wear the number “5,” after Nomar Garciaparra. It’s still far too early to tell if he’s going to join them in that pantheon, but Kiké is on a trajectory that he could join that very private club for me. It may seem silly to some but that number has been worn by some pretty damn good players as far as the Red Sox are concerned and I feel that Hernandez could put his name into that hate.

As far as defensively, Cora has shifted Hernandez all over the field which we knew that he would. The utilityman is more than skilled at several spots around the diamond but will most likely find himself at second base. Even with Christian Arroyo and Michael Chavis making serious pushes for the final roster spot ahead of Opening Day, it feels like the job is already Kiké’s.

Having a consistent spot in the field is just as important as in the batting order as it all lends itself to the player’s routine and comfort level. The more he plays and in the same spots, the more comfortable he’ll be and the better he’ll perform. I think Cora has learned from his past spring training mistakes and is making sure his guys know exactly where they’ll be and when he wants them there so there won’t be a surprise as we saw in 2019.

Despite many fans wanting Verdugo to be the lead-off man coming into this season, it seems as if Hernandez has more than locked that spot up. To me, it’s a better fit for Kiké to kick things off and allowing Dugie to knock him around the base paths. Opening Day is right around the corner and I’m more than excited to see not only what the Red Sox can do but what Henandez can do with a full campaign ahead of him.