Background:
Chaim Bloom has talked a lot about versatility this offseason. Coming from the Rays, this shouldn't be a surprise. But versatility isn't just about having a player who can play multiple positions. It's about having players who can affect the game in a variety of ways - whether it's defensive versatility, hitting lefties well, hitting for power against right-handers, speed, etc. For example, Bloom's signing of Hunter Renfroe brings in a player who mashes lefties while also contributing defensively as a right fielder. Those are two areas he can affect the game.
We'll get to Renfroe eventually. Today we're discussing Enrique Hernandez, who throughout his career has done a lot of things well, but rarely has it all aligned at once. The exception is 2018 when Hernandez posted 3.3 WAR (4-5 is considered All-Star range) en route to a career year. Otherwise, he's been a useful player who hits lefties well, is an elite defender at second base, and also offers the ability to play the outfield well.
2020:
Hernandez's surface level stats aren't ever special and that's certainly the case for his 2020 performance. The 29-year-old hit just .230 with five homers, a .680 OPS, and zero stolen bases last summer. Even in the career year of 2018 he hit .256 with an .806 OPS. Again, on the surface that isn't special. Remember, though, that his value comes from being able to do so many different things either average or above-average.
The highlight of his 2020 came in the playoffs when Hernandez hit a pinch-hit, game-tying homer against the Braves in Game 7 of the NLCS. Hernandez came off the bench in the sixth inning to face - you guessed it - a lefty. Known for being an energetic teammate, Kiké arrives in Boston with plenty of postseason experience due to his time with the Dodgers.
Contract Situation:
The Sox signed Hernandez to a two-year, $14 million option this offseason.
2021 And Beyond:
Hopefully it's obvious by now but expect Hernandez to serve a variety of roles this season. His main responsibilities will be handling second base and hitting high in the order versus lefties. The second base defense is going to be massive as Boston hasn't gotten anything positive out of that position defensively since Dustin Pedroia was fully healthy in 2016-17. Upgrading the infield defense has been one of Alex Cora's early themes in spring training.
We should also expect Hernandez to play all three outfield positions as well as being Xander Bogaerts' backup at shortstop. As for where he'll hit in the order, the team is going to mix and match a lot depending on the opposing pitcher, ballpark, etc. Hernandez should be considered likely to hit third versus lefties, but a lot of the batting order remains to be seen.
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