Utility player Enrique Hernandez has played with four different teams since making his major league debut in 2014. Last season, Hernandez played with the Red Sox before being traded and playing his second stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Enrique played with the Dodgers three years prior and helped the team become World Series champions in 2020. His leadership qualities have been impactful in the clubhouses he’s been in. During his time with the Red Sox, Hernandez became a vocal leader and helped recruit former Dodger teammates Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen to Boston. The former World Series champion has just agreed to a deal with the Dodgers for the 2024 season. The signing came moments after Los Angeles traded Manuel Margot to the Minnesota Twins.
Superutilityman Kiké Hernandez and the Los Angeles Dodgers are nearing a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal would come on the heels of Manuel Margot trade to Minnesota being finalized. The trade will include cash going from the Dodgers to Twins, according to sources.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 26, 2024
Full trade:
Minnesota Twins receive OF Manuel Margot and SS prospect Rayne Doncon
Los Angeles Dodgers receive SS prospect Noah Miller
The deal paves the way for Kiké Hernandez’s return to L.A.
Among those who had different pieces of the deal: @DanielAlvarezEE and @JonHeyman.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 26, 2024
2020 World Series Champion Returns To LA
Overall, Enrique’s worst pitch to see at the plate in 2023 was a cutter. Against 186 cutters, Hernandez put up a .194 batting average. The 2020 World Series champion outfielders struggled against multiple pitches with two strikes. He struck out 32 percent of the time against a sweeper and 28 percent against a curveball and slider. Enrique Hernandez’s best pitch to see in 2023 was a four-seam fastball. Against the fastball, Hernandez batted .303, slugged .459, and only struck out nine percent of the time. While he excelled against the fastball, he must be better against breaking and off-speed pitches. At 32 years old, he must retain the hitting capabilities he possessed just a few seasons ago.
Hernandez’s 2023 Stats
Enrique only played in 54 games with the Dodgers in 2023. In 168 at-bats, he recorded 44 hits, a stolen base, five home runs, and thirty runs batted in. His best game of the season had to be on August 24th while he was a member of the Dodgers, and they were facing off against the Cleveland Guardians. Kike went three for five with a home run and two runs batted in during a 9-3 win. He went three for eight with two runs batted in during the 2023 National League Divisional Series.
Main Photo Credits: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
