Los Angeles Angels Reportedly Interested in Longtime Dodgers, Red Sox Utility Player
According to a report from Ken Rosenthal of 'The Athletic,' the Los Angeles Angels are expressing interest in longtime utility player Enrique Hernandez.
Per Rosenthal:
One free agent they’re considering, according to sources briefed on their discussions: Kiké Hernández, who made 11 starts at third after getting traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Dodgers last season and has played every position but catcher during his 10-year career.
Hernandez is coming off a double hernia surgery this offseason and has been banged up each of the last two years but he's certainly a useful player when healthy.
The 32-year-old made his major league debut in 2014 with the Houston Astros and also spent a little time with the Miami Marlins, but he really made his mark with the Dodgers. He spent 2015-2020 in Los Angeles and helped the Dodgers establish their run of dominance in the National League West. He also won a World Series championship with LA during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
After that, he spent 2.5 years in Boston, helping the Red Sox get to the ALCS in 2021. He was traded back to the Dodgers in 2023.
Lifetime, Hernandez is a .239 hitter who is best known for his spotty power and defensive versatility. He can play all over the diamond, but perhaps the Angels would want to find an everyday spot for him. Rosenthal indicates third base, but he's always been a better second baseman and center fielder than anything else.
The Angels are a team in transition after losing Shohei Ohtani, so there just may be ample opportunity for Hernandez there.
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