UPDATE (July 25, 1:30 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly completed a Kiké Hernández trade with the Boston Red Sox.
With the Boston Red Sox facing a roster crunch due to a surplus of infielders, it’s fueled speculation the team would look to complete a Kiké Hernández trade.
And although the Los Angeles Dodgers figure to focus on pitching as the MLB trade deadline fast approaches on August 1, manager Dave Roberts also suggested the team would look to acquire a right-handed hitting position player as well.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports, the Dodgers and Red Sox remain involved in talks for a Hernández trade:
#Dodgers #RedSox still very much engaged in trade talks for Kiké Hernandez.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) July 25, 2023
A decision could come as soon as Tuesday afternoon as the Red Sox expect to activate John Schreiber off the 60-day injured list. Furthermore, Brayan Bello is due back from paternity leave for his start Wednesday.
Hernández, Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang and Pablo Reyes are four Red Sox infielders vying for effectively three roster spots.
Hernández went into the regular season as the starting shortstop for the Red Sox due to Trevor Story having right elbow surgery. However, he uncharacteristically struggled at the position and was removed from shortstop last month before returning to play it again.
The 31-year-old has committed 14 errors in 484 innings over 64 games (54 starts) at shortstop this season. He also has one error at second base but has played a clean 87 innings in center field across 14 games (11 starts).
Hernández also has struggled to find much consistency at the plate so far in 2023, batting .222/.279/.320 with 11 doubles, six home runs, 31 RBI and a 60 wRC+.
How would Kiké Hernández fit Dodgers roster?
While Hernández has tremendous positional flexibility that the Dodgers value and leveraged during his time with the team, there doesn’t appear to be much of a natural fit on their 2023 roster.
Considering Hernández’s defensive struggles and Miguel Rojas’ presence, opportunities at shortstop appear to be limited. Thus, Hernández may be more likely to fill a platoon outfielder role.
Hernández has hit .260/.314/.338 with three doubles, one home run, seven RBI and a 76 wRC+ in 86 plate appearances against left-handed pitching this season.
Hernández is due to become a free agent after the 2023 season. He signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Red Sox after helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series.
The Red Sox then signed Hernández to a one-year, $10 million contract extension last September.
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