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Red Sox rumors: Enrique Hernandez will energize winning attitude

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting an RBI double against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in Game Four of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 24, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 24: Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting an RBI double against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning in Game Four of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 24, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Red Sox may not be going “all in” for 2021 as far as making a big splash in free agency, but they are attempting to build a team that can compete and may surprise some folks.

On Friday, they continued a trend in free agency by signing another veteran player who will inject the team with energy and excitement at an affordable price.  That player is versatile infielder Enrique Hernandez.

As first reported by MLB.com, the Red Sox brought to life offseason MLB rumors by inking the 29-year-old Hernandez to a multi-year deal.

In adding the versatile infielder, the Red Sox have not only found their second baseman for the next couple of seasons, but they have also added more championship experience and most importantly inject a winning attitude back into a roster that was uninspired most of 2020.

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Red Sox newcomer Enrique Hernandez will inject energy into 2021 roster

No, this is not a George Springer type move, but Red Sox fans should have a level of excitement about the move because of the energy and depth the man known as Kiké Hernandez brings to the table.

Not only will he provide a spark offensively, but he has the ability to play multiple positions, including the outfield which will remind Red Sox fans of Brock Holt, who sparked similar energy to the team during his ride in Boston.

Most importantly, he will provide some pop from the second base position the team hasn’t really had on a consistent basis since the healthy days of Dustin Pedroia.

In a shortened season in 2020 with the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, Hernandez hit just .230 with 5 homers and 20 RBIs, but it is what he did in the two seasons prior that support the pop in his bat.

In 2018, Hernandez broke out with 21 homers and 52 RBI in 140 games played, he followed that up in 2019 with 17 homers and 64 RBI in 130 games, which is his projected numbers in 2021.

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Although his offensive numbers in 2020 aren’t anything to write home about, his spirited play in the postseason was a big part of the Dodgers bringing home their first World Series championship since the late 80s.

Can his addition spark a new winning attitude in Boston?

With Spring Training just a few weeks away, fans will find out that answer soon enough, but his addition does raise questions about what the team will do with a player like Michael Chavis, who will compete for playing time at multiple positions, including second base.

Overall, this is a very good signing for the Boston Red Sox.

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