The Boston Red Sox just gave themselves a lot of flexibility.
The Sox reportedly reached an agreement on Friday with versatile veteran Kiké Hernández, who has spent the past six years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernández is mostly used as a second baseman, but can play anywhere on the field except pitcher and catcher.
And for a Red Sox team that will appreciate versatility, Hernández gives them a lot of it.
Here is the depth map of the Red Sox.
Vanger
Christian Vazquez, Kevin Plawecki
First base
Bobby Dalbec, Michael Chavis
Second basis
Kiké Hernández, Christian Arroyo
Third base
Rafael Devers
Short stop
Xander Bogaerts
Jonathan Arauz
Left field
Andrew Benintendi
Sentrumveld
Alex Verdugo
Regterveld
Hunter Renfroe
Designated Hitter
JD Martinez
Since Hernández can play the outfield, Martinez is no longer the de facto fourth outfielder. The Red Sox also have some depth in Dalbec and Chavis, as Dalbec can also play third, just like Chavis – who can also play second.
Against a pitcher with a right hand, the Red Sox series will now look like this.
Alex Verdugo, CF
Rafael Devers, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
JD Martinez, DH
Hunter Renfroe, RF
Bobby Dalbec, 1B
Christian Vazquez, C
Kiké Hernández, 2B
Andrew Benintendi, LF
In terms of a potential left-handed lineup, Arroyo could crush left-handed yardage, and this is also Hernández’s preferred game. Meanwhile, Benintendi were worse off against the south legs than right-wingers.
It may look like that.
Alex Verdugo, CF
Rafael Devers, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
JD Martinez, DH
Hunter Renfroe, LF
Bobby Dalbec, 1B
Christian Vazquez, C
Christian Arroyo, 2B
Kiké Hernández, RF
There are a lot of balls in the air here, so that’s a rough estimate. Many can change. But the framework that Chaim Bloom apparently has in mind for his grid construction is increasingly coming into focus.
Thumbnail via David Butler II / USA TODAY Sports images