MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Exploring Future With Enrique Hernandez At Second Base, Report Says

KEY POINTS

The Red Sox is looking to expand its options at second base, a report says
Enrique Hernandez could be a prized catch for Boston
Hernandez is a flexible player who MLB teams will go after

The Boston Red Sox could use some help, and it appears it has its eyes on utility man Enrique Hernandez. The Puerto Rican spent the last six years with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is currently one of the high-profile free agents available in the market.

Boston has a strong interest in Hernandez, Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo reported, citing unnamed sources. Boston thus becomes the second team to express interest in the Puerto Rican, who was also linked to the Minnesota Twins earlier this month.

In the last six years, Hernandez hit .240/.312/.425 over 1874 plate appearances and played almost every position on the diamond except for catcher. Overall, he has played in 648 Major League games. These include 200 appearances as a second baseman, 179 in center field, 127 in left field, 82 as a shortstop and 75 games in right field. Moreover, the 29-year-old also got a chance to play at both corner infield spots.

Given his flexibility, the Puerto Rican baseball player could be a prized addition to the Red Sox if they can get something done. If a deal does come to fruition, Hernandez is likely to be placed at second base as his primary position.

Hernandez is one of many players the Red Sox is considering. Before his addition, other names mentioned include Michael Chavis, Yairo Munoz and Christian Arroyo. Of that list, Munoz offers something fairly similar to what Hernandez brings.

Marcus Semien is another prospect that Boston has its eyes on. From the looks of it, the Red Sox is looking to acquire multiple players to handle second base.

And while the candidates all seem to make sense, it would be best to note that they may not be perfect additions. For one, all are right-handed hitters. Hence, Hernandez could be utilized better if a southpaw is on the mound.

Hernandez holds a career .263/.345/.474 slash line against left-handed pitchers. Also, it would be good to note that his offensive production against both lefties and righties was down in 2020.