How Adding Kike Hernandez Could Affect the Red Sox 2021 Plans

MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported on Friday that the Boston Red Sox and utilityman Enrique Hernandez have made some progress toward a deal, and it could get done as soon as this weekend. This development comes after the Red Sox missed out on Jurickson Profar — another utilityman who re-signed with the San Diego Padres for three years and $21 million.

The Red Sox have been pretty quiet this winter, as they missed out on Corey Kluber recently and there hasn’t been much traction on bringing back their biggest free agent, Jackie Bradley Jr.

Adding Hernandez would definitely help this team in a variety of ways. There isn’t a concrete second baseman on the roster so Hernandez would probably be the starting second baseman for Alex Cora on Opening Day assuming there aren’t any injuries or trades with the current starters.

If Rafael Devers or Xander Bogaerts need a day off or they just DH on a day game after a night game, then Hernandez could move over to either third base or shortstop.

Red Sox fans should welcome Hernandez’s big personality and love his ability to play multiple positions. Brock Holt, a fan favorite who was an integral part of the 2018 World Series champion, played a similar role to what Hernandez has done with the Dodgers over the past few years.

Hernandez, who is entering his age 29 season, is projected to hit 17 home runs and have a .311 on-base percentage this coming season, according to Baseball Reference.

It would also perhaps allow the Red Sox with some more freedom to trade Andrew Benintendi, who’s been mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Benintendi slots in as the starting left fielder right now but if he was traded, they wouldn’t necessarily have a hole there because Kike Hernandez has shown the ability to play just about any position on the field.

To be clear, this deal is not done yet but it looks like the two sides are nearing an agreement.

(Photo: Chris O’Meara/AP)