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Terry Francona says César Hernández was Indians' number one target

Sep 28, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) hits a home run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

CLEVELAND, OH — The Indians haven’t made many free agent signings this offseason, but the one they did make has manager Terry Francona excited.  

“It was our number one target,” Francona told Bull and Fox on Thursday when asked about infielder César Hernández. “We wanted a chance to sign him. He’s a switch-hitter and a guy that can play a really good second base.”


The Indians signed Hernández to a one-year, $6.25 million contract in December.

“We’re really happy to have him," Francona said. "I could sense he wanted to come to Cleveland. That gives us a switch-hitter at every infield spot, which is kind of a luxury.”

Hernández, 29, spent the first seven years of his career with the Phillies. He posted a .279/.333/.408 slash line in 2019, finishing with 15 home runs and 71 RBI.

The veteran infielder has been durable — playing in at least 155 games in each of the last four seasons.

Hernández was projected to make $11.8 million next season, which is a big reason why the Phillies didn’t tender him. He had a down year in 2019, but was a high-end second baseman during the 2016 and 2017 seasons posting a combined 6.2 WAR (Wins Above Replacement).

Indians pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona on Feb. 11. The rest of the team will report on Feb. 16.