Kiké Hernández honored for defensive versatility with prestigious award

Kiké Hernández is the only Red Sox player to win a 2021 Fielding Bible award

Boston Red Sox super-utility man Kiké Hernández has been praised for his defensive versatility all season and postseason.

Now, he’s being honored for it.

On Thursday, Hernández won his second consecutive Fielding Bible Award for best defensive multi-position player. He’s the first Red Sox player to win the award at any position since Mookie Betts in 2018 (and 2017, and 2016).

Hernández’s nine Outs Above Average and eight Runs Prevented each ranked eighth-most in MLB. Among qualified centerfielders, he ranked seventh in OAA. His eight outfield assists ranked ninth in the AL, but the Red Sox outfield led MLB with 43 assists; no other team had more than 36.

A reduction in errors over an increase in games also points to increased confidence in his defensive ability. Hernández made four errors in center field, which tied for second-most in the AL, and four at second base. However, he made a career-high five errors at second base in 30 games last season, compared to 47 games in 2021.

Ironically, as his Fielding Bible award bio noted, he was honored in 2020 for being a second baseman who occasionally played the outfield. This season, he was a phenomenal outfielder occasionally moonlighting in the infield.

Through his eight-year MLB career, Hernández has played at least one game at every position except catcher. In 2021, he played 47 games at second base, eight at shortstop, and 93 in centerfield.

This award serves as a reminder that Hernández was one of the most underrated and best signings of last offseason. He played a crucial part in the Red Sox exceeding expectations in the regular season, and his absolutely monstrous postseason performance helped them reach the ALCS.