The Red Sox are beginning their offseason work early, re-signing Enrique Hernandez, 31, to a one-year, $10 million contract extension for 2023.
The #RedSox today signed INF/OF Kiké Hernández to a one-year contract extension through the 2023 season.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 6, 2022
Enrique Hernandez Contract Extension: Red Sox Choosing Stability
The Red Sox’s outfield depth is thin, so having Enrique Hernandez under contract for 2023 gives the organization some stability at the position. When he is healthy, the Sox know what they are getting.
In both seasons that he was a full-time player and healthy (2018 and 2021), Kike hit 20 home runs with 50-60 RBI, walk rates in the 70th percentile range, and strikeout rates in the 17-18 percent range. His WRC+s were in the 110s, and his fWARs were in the three-to-four win range. Hernandez’s chase rates in both seasons were in the 60th percentile range; his barrel rates were in the 50th percentile range, and his whiff rates were in the 60th percentile range.
Instead of having two outfield spots to fill, Boston now has only one.
He can also play anywhere, keeping Chaim Bloom’s options open.
Red Sox Not Scared of Lingering Injury Issues
2022 just wasn’t Hernandez’s, or the Red Sox, year.
Kike missed 60 games with what was initially deemed a hip flexor strain. But it turned out to be much worse. After taking longer than expected to return from his injury, an MRI revealed he had a hematoma that needed draining. It caused him so much pain and affected his entire body. The ordeal hampered him all season; it turns out.
Kike seems to be good to go now. He is hitting .254/.318/.407/.725 with a 102 wRC+, two home runs, and 13 RBI in 17 games since returning. Not quite 2021, but close enough that the Red Sox felt comfortable giving him a one-year extension.
Enrique Hernandez’s one-year contract extension should benefit him and the Red Sox. Hernandez could’ve been a top outfield target in a thin free agent class. Now, Kike can rebuild his value, and if he does, he will help the Red Sox win games in 2023. See? Win, win.
One move down, a bunch more moves to go for Chaim Bloom and the Red Sox front office. They will have the money to get what they need—no more excuses.
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