Dodgers Rumors: Should LA Swing a Trade for Enrique Hernandez?

The trade deadline is approaching ever so quickly, and we’re now less than a week and a half out from the August 1 deadline.

Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers now sitting atop the NL West, LA figures to be active at the trade deadline as they do have some holes to fill.

The two prominent areas of need are in the starting rotation and the middle infield, as the Dodgers starters have been afflicted by the injury bug this year, while Miguel Rojas and Miguel Vargas have had their struggles this season. Vargas in particular was recently sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City after slashing just .195/.305/.367 for LA as he looks to regain the form that made him one of the Dodgers’ top prospects.

That begs the question of will the Dodgers look to upgrade their infield at the deadline, and, if they opt to make a move, who could they look to bring in?

According to Chad Jennings of The Athletic, a former Dodger fan favorite may be available.

“… it’s worth wondering if the Red Sox could make an early trade to remove one of their extra infielders. Particularly (Enrique) Hernández, despite his struggles, could have value to a team with a need up the middle. Both the Dodgers and Giants — because of Farhan Zaidi’s history with the Dodgers — have some familiarity with Hernández and have been short-handed in the middle infield.”

via The Athletic

Yes, Kiké Hernandez may just be an option at the deadline.

Hernandez, who played for the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020, hasn’t found his rhythm offensively in his third season with the Red Sox, hitting .219 with six home runs and 31 RBI. But he’s been a steady hand at both second base and shortstop for Boston, something that would definitely help the Dodgers.

But should the Dodgers actually swing a deal with Boston to make a reunion happen?

It shouldn’t cost that much on the Dodgers’ end to do that, given Hernandez’s cold bat and the fact that he doesn’t become a free agent until after 2024, but there are much more prudent needs as far as LA is concerned, notably with the starting rotation.

Ultimately, I think the Dodgers may just be able to stand pat in the infield and still succeed deep into October, making a move for Hernandez almost unnecessary.

Rotation depth is a much more urgent issue, given Julio Urias’ struggles and Clayton Kershaw’s injury, and I think that should be LA’s main priority.

And frankly, Mookie Betts is playing so well at second base that it makes upgrading the infield much less of a need.

As nostalgic as it would be to see Hernandez back in blue for a Dodgers playoff run, I don’t think that’ll end up happening, nor should it at this point in time.

Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports