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The Boston Red Sox just gave themselves a lot of flexibility in their lineup.
On Friday, the Sox reportedly struck a deal with ultra-versatile veteran Kiké Hernández, who had spent the past six years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Used primarily as a second baseman, Hernández can play anywhere on the pitch except the pitcher and catcher.
And for a Red Sox team that will value versatility, Hernández gives them a lot.
So, here’s where the Red Sox depth graph stands.
Recipient
Christian Vazquez, Kevin Plawecki
First base
Bobby Dalbec, Michael Chavis
Second base
Kiké Hernández, Christian Arroyo
Third base
Rafael Devers
Short stop
Xander Bogaerts
Jonathan arauz
Left field
Andrew Benintendi
Central field
Alex Verdugo
Right field
Renfroe Hunter
Designated hitter
JD Martinez
Since Hernández can play the outfield, Martinez is no longer the de facto fourth outfielder. The Red Sox also have some depth in Dalbec and Chavis, as Dalbec can also play third, as can Chavis – who can also play second.
Against a right handed pitcher, the Red Sox lineup in its current form will likely look something like this.
Alex Verdugo, CF
Rafael Devers, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
JD Martinez, DH
Hunter Renfroe, RF
Bobby Dalbec, 1B
Christian Vazquez, C
Kike Hernandez, 2B
Andrew Benintendi, LF
As for a potential left-handed lineup, Arroyo can crush left-handed pitching, and it’s Hernández’s favorite game too. Meanwhile, Benintendi has been worse against lefties than righties.
It might look something like this.
Alex Verdugo, CF
Rafael Devers, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
JD Martinez, DH
Hunter Renfroe, LF
Bobby Dalbec, 1B
Christian Vazquez, C
Christian Arroyo, 2B
Kiké Hernández, RF
Lots of bullets stay in the air here, so that’s a rough estimate. Much can change. But the framework that Chaim Bloom seems to have in mind for building his list is increasingly being developed.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II / USA TODAY Sports Images
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