Boston Red Sox continue to lead the league in “interest”, talking with Kiké Hernandez?
Over the last few days, teams in the A.L. East have gotten better. The Yankees and Blue Jays have added to their big league roster. While the teams around the Red Sox are getting better, Boston remains interested in everyone.
On Thursday night, social media began to getting excited over the potential of the Red Sox signing Kiké Hernandez.
Source: Red Sox have been in talks with Kiké Hernandez in recent days. Things might be heating up on that front. Unclear if anything is close.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 22, 2021
A couple of random guys from Puerto Rico are saying that Kiké Hernandez just signed with Boston. At this point I’ll take any news even if it’s fake.
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) January 22, 2021
The 29-year-old utilityman has been connected to Boston all offseason. The New York Mets and Minnesota Twins have also been connected to Hernandez. Reportedly, the Mets were engaged with Hernandez up until the Jared Porter firing. It’s unknown the interest from the Mets now.
Cotillo has been reporting that the Red Sox have remained interested in Hernandez for a few weeks now. The Red Sox interest in him has been genuine as they look to find a boost defensively at second base.
Hernandez would give the Red Sox another high energy type player on their roster. He would also be reunited with former teammate Alex Verdugo. The two spent time as teammates together while with the Dodgers prior to the Mookie Betts trade last season.
The addition of Hernandez would also provide Boston with more depth for their Major League roster. He would compete with Christian Arroyo, Michael Chavis and Jonathan Arauz for the everyday role. Boston has been open in wanting to see what Arroyo could potentially give them at second base. Hernandez has the versatility to play all over the diamond leaving manager Alex Cora with options.
Versatility is the Focus
The Red Sox reportedly are looking to add a versatile player to pair with Arroyo.
General thought on their search at 2B: I think they’re more inclined to add a versatile option to pair with Arroyo than a traditional 2B. Kiké, Marwin, Brad Miller among the fits there. Someone who can spell Dalbec as a LHH 1B is a plus. https://t.co/0of9OTpevZ
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 22, 2021
Arroyo was claimed off waivers from the Indians on Aug. 13. He ended up finishing the year hitting .240 with three home runs in 14 games in Boston. Arauz is expected to spend 2021 in the minors now that he can be sent down. He was to remain on the roster all last season due to his Rule 5 draft selection.
Cora believes there is upside with Arroyo, “I do believe Christian played pretty solid toward the end of the season last year,” Cora said.
“This is a kid who has a lot of upside. Everybody talked about him as a top prospect a few years ago and he had a chance to go out there and compete last year. I do believe that there’s upside there,” Cora added.
A 3 homer game by Kiké Hernandez propels the Dodgers to the World Series pic.twitter.com/FQP22KymDb
— Jack (@MidWestLAFan) March 19, 2020
The Red Sox would benefit from Hernandez if the sign him in the coming days. Teams will begin to shift their focus on Spring Training very soon. While Red Sox fans are waiting patiently for the equipment truck to head to Fort Myers, Bloom has some work to do still. The Red Sox chief baseball officer can fill a major void on his roster in Hernandez.
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– Chris Henrique (@ChrisHenrique on Twitter)
Image: AP Photo/John Amis