With the Boston Red Sox facing a logjam among infielders Christian Arroyo, Yu Chang, Kiké Hernández and Pablo Reyes, a roster move this week began to appear likely.
The aforementioned players are out of Minor League options and thus one needed to be designated for assignment or traded. Hernández emerged as a likely trade candidate considering he’s struggled to get on track this year and is due to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
As the Red Sox explored their options, the Los Angeles Dodgers were reported as having interest in a reunion with Hernández.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Fabia Ardaya of The Athletic, the Dodgers traded for Hernández:
Dodgers getting Kiké Hernandez, sources tell me and @FabianArdaya.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 25, 2023
The Dodgers traded Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman to the Red Sox, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
The Boston Red Sox will receive right-handed reliever Nick Robertson — who has thrown 10.1 big league innings this year — and right-handed reliever Justin Hagenman (now at Triple-A) from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Kiké Hernandez deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 25, 2023
Hernández returns to the Dodgers after playing for the team from 2015-2020. After helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series, Hernández signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox then signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract extension last September. Hernández at the time projected to be their starting center fielder this season, but he slid over to shortstop due to Trevor Story undergoing right elbow surgery in January.
Despite his ability to play several positions, Hernández uncharacteristically struggled at the position and was removed from shortstop last month before returning to play it again shortly after.
Hernández has committed 14 errors in 484 innings across 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 in 14 games (11 starts).
At the plate, Hernández has hit just .222/.279/.320 with 11 doubles, six home runs, 31 RBI and a 60 wRC+.
Kiké Hernández’s career with Dodgers
During his six previous seasons with the Dodgers, Hernández hit .240/.312/.425 while playing several positions and also pitching in one game.
Considering Hernández’s defensive struggles and Miguel Rojas’ presence, opportunities at shortstop likely will 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.
One change for Hernández in his second stint with the Dodgers will need to be jersey number. The Dodgers retired No. 14 for Gil Hodges during the 2022 season.
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