Kiké Hernandez will not be among the league-high five Red Sox players headed to Denver for next week’s MLB All-Star Game, but he’s still been a valuable addition, particularly in center field, where the 29-year-old has excelled of late. We knew whoever was put in the unenviable position of succeeding free-agent casualty Jackie Bradley Jr. would have enormous shoes to fill. But Hernandez, fresh off winning a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, has fit in seamlessly, dazzling on a nightly basis in center field.
Hernandez, who has also made 16 starts at second base this season (though platoon partners Marwin Gonzalez and Christian Arroyo have gotten the bulk of opportunities there), has been a powerhouse defensively, impressing with his range, timing and surprisingly accurate throwing arm. The eight-year veteran has really upped the ante with his outfield heroics over the past week, diving to rob Hanser Alberto of extra bases before preserving the Red Sox’s 10-inning win over Oakland by gunning down Seth Brown at home plate.
Hernandez was at it again Monday night in Anaheim, taking a home run away from Angels third baseman Luis Rengifo with a leaping grab in center field. Starting pitcher Martin Perez, who was also on the mound when Hernandez denied Alberto last week, seemed appreciative of Kiké’s efforts.
According to Fangraphs, Hernandez’s 11 defensive runs saved this season are the most among major-league center-fielders (minimum 100 innings played) including the player he replaced, Jackie Bradley Jr., who ranks eighth in that category (four). While Red Sox fielders have struggled as a whole this season (league-worst 60 errors), their outfield defense has been a strength with Hunter Renfroe also playing exceptionally well in right field (second in “ultimate zone rating” and fifth in defensive runs saved). Per Twitter account, Sox Notes, the Red Sox boast 28 outfield assists, nine more than any other team in baseball.
And lest you think the slick-fielding Hernandez is a one-trick pony with all glove and no bat, the Puerto Rico native has hit safely in eight of his last nine appearances, compiling a .353 average with four homers and eight RBI over that span.
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