Free Agent Kiké Hernandez has found a new home. It was announced Friday evening that the utility man has agreed to a two-year deal, worth $14 million, with the Boston Red Sox, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Before the 2020 season began, it was speculated that this would the last season Hernandez would be wearing Dodger Blue. Thankfully he played a pivotal part in their championship run and will share some of that experience with his new ball club. Kiké wanted to join a team where he could get 500 at bats and be an every day player in the lineup. He’s worked with Alex Cora in the past during Puerto Rican exhibition games, so the connection makes sense.
Hernandez was acquired from the Miami Marlins in 2015 offseason in a multi-player deal which, was one of Andrew Friedman’s first moves as President of Baseball Operations. Kiké spent six seasons on the Dodgers, appearing in 648 games and had 68 home runs to go along with a .240 batting average. Hernandez’s ultimate value came with his defensive versatility by having the ability to cover the entire infield and outfield with the exception of the catcher position. Hernandez received the 2020 Fielding Bible award for a multi-position player.
“Kiké, in my opinion, is the best second baseman in baseball,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said during the NLCS.
Hernandez brought joy to his teammates with his fun demeanor, and made a name for himself almost immediately with the rally bananas and costume during his first season as a Dodger. Kiké had a reputation for hitting left-handed pitching very well, in particular, NL West rival Madison Bumgarner. He is also the first player to hit an 0-2 pitch off Josh Hader for a home run. That’s not all Kiké will be remembered for. When October rolled around, Hernandez had some huge moments on offense for his team. In the 2017 NLCS versus the Chicago Cubs, Kiké closed the door on the reigning World Series champs during Game 5 with his three home run performance including a grand slam. In 2019, Roberts inserted Kiké into the lineup in a Game 5 elimination game versus the Washington Nationals, and Hernandez came through with a solo home run off Stephen Strasburg. Most recently in the 2020 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, Hernandez hit a game tying solo home run off A.J. Minter in a crucial Game 7. Kiké had a total of eight home runs during the postseason as a Dodger.
Thank you for all you’ve done for the Dodgers, and best of luck with your new team!
Author: Kevin Klein
Twitter: @Klein25