New York still has a void at third base, so the Yankees may use another infield player. According to Pinstripe Alley MLB analyst Estevao Maximo, the Yankees ought to sign Kike Hernandez in free agency.
“Those who are still available get a more thorough examination as free agent and trade options diminish, and that is the case for Kiké Hernández, who also happens to check a lot of boxes for the Yankees,” Maximo wrote. Hernández actually fulfills so many requirements that he was on the verge of joining the Yankees not too long ago. The player himself claims that the Yankees and Dodgers were the final free agents he had to choose between during the previous offseason, and he finally decided to go back to Los Angeles.
Even with all of the roster changes since then, the majority of the reasons why it made sense to pursue Hernández’s services a year ago still hold true when it comes to the Yankees and their match with him. Oswaldo Cabrera is currently the most likely candidate to start in the Yankees’ infield in 2025, either at second or third base, with Jazz Chisholm Jr., Maximo continued.
New York had already expressed interest in Hernandez, who almost signed with the Yankees during the previous offseason. Additionally, he is a versatile player with strong defensive skills, which would really benefit New York.
Hernandez hit.229 in 2024 while playing with the Dodgers, recording 12 home runs and 42 RBIs. In 2020 and 2024, he played for Los Angeles in the World Series.
An analyst argues that Hernandez should be signed by the Yankees.
Hernandez can play in the outfield if necessary in addition to providing insurance in the infield.
Maximo believes the Yankees should sign Hernandez because he is a versatile player who could fill in left field for Jasson Dominguez if the top prospect falters.
Beyond his potential as a third baseman, Hernandez possesses a unique degree of versatility and substantial expertise at important positions like shortstop and centre field. Although we would prefer to see Jasson Domínguez dominate in an outfield role, Maximo argued that a defence led by Hernández, Bellinger, and Judge would be excellent.
In the worst situation, Maximo continued, “Hernández can be the first player off the bench for a variety of positions, giving the team a ton of flexibility on that front and with the rest of the bench.” With more than 100 career starts at centre, second base, and shortstop apiece, Hernández has substantial exposure to every position on the field save catcher, even as an emergency pitcher for 4.2 innings. The Yankees could be wise to pursue him for a second consecutive offseason if he is still interested in wearing pinstripes.
Hernandez is 33 and is probably going to sign a short-term contract, so the Yankees are taking a low-risk gamble.
The Dodgers are probably going to let Hernandez go.
Although Hernandez has been a vital part of the Dodgers’ roster for a few years, his tenure in Los Angeles is probably coming to an end.
Hernandez’s hopes of re-signing with Los Angeles were probably dashed when the Dodgers signed Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim.
Kim will play a super-utility role for Los Angeles, just like Hernandez did for the Dodgers.
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