Enrique Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers. (Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
The Boston Red Sox have signed infielder Enrique Hernandez in his impending free agency.
After winning a World Series with the 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers, veteran infielder Enrique Hernandez will be joining the Boston Red Sox this offseason in his free agency. He is signed a two-year deal worth $14 million on Friday night to switch leagues and play for the rebuilding Red Sox.
Hernandez spent the last six MLB seasons in Dodger blue. Though never an All-Star, Hernandez was an important part of the Los Angeles corps that won the franchise’s first World Series championship since 1988. But as it is per usual, doormat franchises like the Red Sox often look to steal an overqualified role player like Hernandez on a lucrative deal in his impending free agency.
What does this signing mean for the Red Sox and Dodgers going forward?
For the Dodgers, this potential free-agency deal means their lineup has become less menacing and versatile. Though Los Angeles is the favorite to get back to the World Series out of the National League, teams like the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres are within striking distance of overtaking them. Once again, professional baseball and always will be a business.
As for the Red Sox, Hernandez will have a more prominent role with a rebuilding team in the American League. Boston would be counting on him to provide the necessary leadership to help the Red Sox get back to playing championship-caliber baseball. It is truly amazing Boston is only a few years removed from winning it all back in 2018. Oh, how the times have changed…
Boston adding a player like Hernandez means they are interested in winning the right way.