BoSox land Hernandez, Richards, per reports
MLB Rumors: The Boston Red Sox have agreed to free agent deals with Kike Hernandez and Garrett Richards, per reports.
Hernandez, a 29 year old infielder who has played every position except catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers since they acquired him after the 2014 season from the Miami Marlins in the deal that brought Andrew Heaney and Austin Barnes to the Dodgers as well, with Dan Haren, Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas going to Miami, was reported to have agreed to terms with the Red Sox last night. The Red Sox, who have been hunting for a second baseman this offseason, also were reported to be in on Jurickson Profar before he signed with San Diego. With Profar off the table, the Red Sox have apparently scooped up Hernandez, who will likely be their regular second baseman.
Hernandez got the bulk of his playing time the last couple of years with the Dodgers at second base, and has slashed .240/.313/.425 for his career. He was originally a Houston Astros, and was sent to the Marlins in the deal that also saw Jarred Cosart go to Miami, with Jake Marisnick and Colin Moran coming to Houston. Hernandez is reportedly getting $14 million over two years from Boston.
This afternoon, meanwhile, national guys are reporting that the Red Sox and pitcher Garrett Richards have agreed to terms on a one year deal for $10 million. Richards, who turns 33 in May, is a righthander originally with the Los Angeles Angels whose has long had great stuff, but struggled to stay healthy. Richards has qualified for the ERA title just twice, in 2014 and 2015 — since the start of the 2016 season Richards has logged just 198 innings over 45 appearances.
Richards signed a two year contract with the San Diego Padres after a 2018 season that was cut short due to Tommy John surgery, though he did make it back on the mound for three outings in 2019. In 2020, he put up a 4.03 ERA and 4.28 FIP in 10 starts and 4 relief appearances totaling 51.1 IP. He’ll now presumably be part of the Red Sox rotation in 2021.
