Boston Red Sox Secure Ex-World Series Champ For At Least One More Year

It appears Enrique Hernandez will continue to play for the Boston Red Sox, the same team where he shone in the 2021 MLB postseason.

According to sources cited by ESPN, the 31-year-old center fielder agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million on Monday.

The 2020 World Series champion missed time last season due to hip injuries, limiting him to only 67 games, resulting in his production to only .222/.359/.646 with six home runs and 37 RBIs.

He moved to the Red Sox after spending six years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move proved beneficial for the utility player, racking up 4.9 WAR in the regular season and then hitting five home runs during the team's postseason run to the ALCS, The Score reported.

In all, the move benefitted both the Red Sox and Hernandez. The Puerto Rican proved to be a good defensive addition to Boston in center field. However, the 31-year-old did more than just reinforce the defensive needs of the Red Sox. He also helped out after he was utilized as a shortstop and second base this season.

Drafted in the sixth round by the Houston Astros during the 2009 MLB Draft, he got his first call up to the majors in July 2014. He played his first major game against the Seattle Mariners, coming in as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and collecting two hits.

Looking ahead, Boston has more worries to deal with. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts is anticipated to opt out of his contract with the Red Sox. In addition, Nathan Eovaldi, Michael Wacha and Rich Hill, plus reliever Matt Strahm are set to become free agents.

But of that mix, all eyes will be on Bogaerts. If the 29-year-old shortstop opts out, the Red Sox will have less than $60 million committed to their payroll.

Beyond that, there is also the case of 25-year-old third baseman Rafael Devers. The All-Star player is eligible for a contract extension. If he fails to come to terms with Boston, he will be another player hitting free agency after the 2023 season.