Kiké Hernandez became the third Los Angeles Dodgers free agent to leave the team, as he reportedly agreed to a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. His deal is said to be worth $14 million, and Hernandez will have an opportunity to play every day.
Although Hernandez filled a utility role in six seasons for the Dodgers, he did appear in at least 100 games during four of those, including three of at least 130. Last year Hernandez played in 80% (48) of 60 games.
Hernandez did earn the starting job at second base in 2019, only to struggle at the plate and eventually shift back to playing all over the field. Returning to the Dodgers was not considered likely, and the Red Sox were among the interested teams who have an opening at second base.
By signing with Boston, the 29-year-old reunites with former Dodgers teammate Alex Verdugo. He naturally was excited by the news, and so too was Cody Bellinger despite no longer being teammates with Hernandez.
Belli’s message for Kiké pic.twitter.com/4fxxtBdMIo
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) January 23, 2021
Verdugo was of course included in the trade with the Red Sox last January that sent Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers. Prior to that, he’d been up with Hernandez and the Dodgers for parts of the 2017 and 2018 seasons, and a full-time basis in 2019. Bellinger and Hernandez played together since 2017.
How can Dodgers replace Hernandez?
While the 2021 roster is hardly set, the Dodgers essentially only have two question marks. One is at third base, and could be addressed with the widely expected re-signing of Justin Turner.
The other comes at second base, where Hernandez again could have been a factor, but is more likely to go to Gavin Lux. He endured a strange 2020 season but the organization’s confidence in the former top prospect has not waned.
There is also the possibility of the Dodgers signing Marcus Semien, which may be another answer at either infield position. Moreover, there’s a chance Zach McKinstry is given an opportunity to take on the super utility role.
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