Red Sox Resign Outfielder Kikè Hernandez
Kike Hernandez has signed a one-year, ten-million-dollar contract extension with the team. The move ensures that Hernandez will remain with the Red Sox through the 2023 season.
Hernandez has been a key member of the Red Sox since he was acquired in free agency from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. He’s played all over the diamond for Boston, and his versatility has been a valuable asset for manager Alex Cora.
In 2021, he hit .250/.337/.449 with 20 home runs and 60 RBIs in 134 games. He also played a key role in the Red Sox’s run to the ALCS last season, where he helped the Red Sox get within two games of the World Series.
His 2022 season has been plagued by injury with a hip flexor issue that kept him out for a good chunk of the season. But since returning, he’s helped stabilize the center field position, both offensively and defensively.
The Contract
I predicted Hernandez would get somewhere between 7-10 million in free agency for a year or two. And while it may be on the high side, it’s better to ensure he doesn’t hit the open market. If he produces like he’s capable offensively while also being a swiss army knife around the diamond, he is well worth the money.
Hernández said in his talks with the club that Chaim Bloom promised him that the Red Sox “were going to be way better next year.”
He also said, “To me, winning is the most important thing,” Hernández said Tuesday. “I want to win in Boston. Last year was a little taste of it and was a surreal experience. Just the passion of the fan base. I want to be able to experience winning the World Series in Boston.” (Source, MassLive)
What Does This Mean For Jarren Duran?
The Red Sox’s internal option in center field is Jarren Duran, who struggled mightily in his second stint in Boston. He was not someone you could trust giving the full-time job next season, especially on defense. While he still has a world of talent, at 26 years old, it’s hard to believe he could be a starting outfielder on a championship team next season.
So in the offseason, the team can either hold on to Duran as depth or include him in a trade package for another player. With Hernandez having some injury history, it’s not a bad thing to keep Duran in AAA for some insurance depth.
It’s Make or Break For Chaim Bloom
I think we can all agree that this offseason is make or break for lead executive Chaim Bloom. With holes on the pitching staff, in the bullpen, outfield, and uncertainty if Xander Bogaerts will return, it was good for Bloom to check something off his list early.
Ultimately, I believe the Red Sox will need at least one more outfielder to play Fenway’s cavernous right field. My eyes have been on Brandon Nimmo for a while now, as I believe he can add much-needed plate discipline to the lineup. Not to mention an element of speed and a guy who plays the game hard on every play.
They will also need to make a decision regarding JD Martinez‘s future and if they plan on moving on or giving him the qualifying offer. The power numbers are down, and I think they need some added thump in the middle of the order.
The rotation and bullpen are probably the biggest question marks, with Boston having a team ERA of 4.54, which is ranked 25th in baseball. They need to plug a lot of holes, not to mention sign that Devers guy for 10+ years.
Final Thought
So with plenty of payroll flexibility in the offseason, it’s good to keep around a familiar face, a clutch performer, and someone you can move around the diamond if need be. Yes, A LOT of work still needs to be done, but this is a good start to a make-or-break offseason for Bloom.
What do you think of the move? Should they have given him ten million for next season? Let me know down below.
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I’m surprised they have won as many games they have. This is a bad team.Bloom was a Disaster as GM this year. His trades brought back crap. Sox front office is just terrible. Behind too many other teams GMs.