The Twins have expressed interest in free agent utilityman Kiké Hernández, reports SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson (Twitter link). The 29-year-old has spent the past six seasons with the Dodgers. Over the past two seasons, Hernández has managed just a .235/.296/.410 line over 608 plate appearances. However, the right-handed hitter has put up a strong .263/.345/.474 career mark against left-handed pitching. He’s also started games all throughout the infield and outfield. That defensive versatility and production when holding the platoon advantage makes Hernández a sensible fit for a Minnesota team that has seen Marwin González and Ehire Adrianza hit the open market.
More from around the sport:
- The Giants have been in contact with representatives of a few players who were non-tendered earlier this week, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi told reporters (including Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area). Right-handed relief pitching and another left-handed hitter are on the team’s wish list, Pavlovic notes. Plenty of players fitting those respective profiles were non-tendered before Wednesday’s deadline. Speculatively speaking, Archie Bradley and Matt Wisler could make sense as bullpen targets for San Francisco, while Kyle Schwarber and David Dahl were among the top left-handed bats let go by other clubs.
- Nationals infielder Josh Harrison nearly signed with the Braves after being released by the Phillies in July, relays Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com. Ultimately, the veteran infielder hooked on with Washington just a few days after the regular season began. While the Braves had a significantly more successful 2020 than did their division rivals, Harrison enjoyed a decent season at the plate. Clearly, both player and team were satisfied with the way things worked out. Harrison went on to ink a one-year extension that will keep him in D.C. in 2021.
I think Kike Hernandez would be a great piece for the Twins. He could definitely come off the bench and score some runs for the Twins. He could also play multiple positions. At the same time, it would only take a year and maybe 2 to 2.5 million to sign him. Archie Bradley might be out of the price range for the Giants, but I think Ryan Tepera, Chasen Shreve, or A.J Cole might be good options for players who were recently non-tendered. Wisler however does make sense. I think the Braves should have signed Harrison and let Culberson go personally.
Would love to see the Giants grab Dahl. Giants also don’t have a closer and haven’t for some time. Bradley could be that guy if the price was fair.
Will Smith has something to say
Oops, I said above that the Giants hasn’t had a solid closer in years. A major senior moment on my part! I forgot about Smith! Duuuhoooooppp!
You can be forgiven for overlooking Smith. He sort of slowly earned his way into that role, kind of like Romo did after Brian Wilson got injured.
Smith was definitely a closer for SF, but they haven’t had him for over a year now, which was what I meant. No one emerged last year as a closer, and the team could use one.
It’s understandable when management just lets those guys go…
What’s wrong with Gott?
Sorry, I Gott you there. Cant believe they resigned him. Take away just half of his blown saves and they get in the playoffs as a WC. It would’ve probably ended there, but still…
I agree. I was not happy that they tendered Gott a contract. They should’ve moved on.
I really hope the giants get Dahl/Bradley they both would really help the team
I agree abt bradley, although not sure about dahl. not a bad player, but not exactly what I would like to see. I think the Giants hitting coaches are pretty good at their jobs, but I don’t know if they see a potential all-star quality hitter in him. I wouldn’t mind picking him up though
If the Giants are considering Dahl they need to have someone in the organization who can help him figure out how to stay healthy. They guy is a world beater when he’s on the field, but availability for him has been very limited. That’s exactly why COL threw in the towel on him.
Kike would be a good fit for the Twins. Lots of versatility and some pop, definite upgrade over Adrianza
Kike would be a great fit almost everywhere..Every contending team could use him, he’s going to be a solid addition for whiever ends up getting him..
Hope Kiki and the Twins work something out. He knows how to win.
Not how to be a consistent hitter though
Kiki is very good in the clutch and pressure situations. I think he will end up with the Dodgers, again.
Unfortunately i think some of that comes from playing so many positions. Hard to be consistent offensively playing a different defensive position everyday
He’s actually been given ample time to prove he could be an everyday starter each of the last two-three years at 2nd. When he failed to do so he was shuttled around. Kikè is a terrific super utility guy, but he hasn’t shown an ability to hit RHP. He just hasn’t shown to be an everyday guy. Defensively up the middle, he’s absolutely tremendous.
Twinkies are seeking the KIKE to beating the Yankees !!
I would be pretty excited if the Giants got Dahl and Bradley or even Robles. I wouldn’t even mind a little Schwarber hittin bombs into the cove and a good GM with this much disposable income should be able to negotiate short term deals attractive enough to bring all of these guys over. Schwarber already has the connection to our current “GM” so wouldnt be that crazy.
The DH is coming so Schwarber starts there for 2/3’s of your games. Dahl with his health issues should be used sparingly as well but I would give him a 3-4 year deal if the price was right. Any closer caliber RP that makes sense should be snatched.
Don’t be too quick to praise FZ just yet. All he has proven is that he can sit on his hands and sift through trash. This team needs a few bold moves as well if they are going to compete so wait until the offseason is done before bowing the knee to FZ
giant4life:
I would love to see Dahl and Bradley in a Giant’s uni. Not too keen on Schwarber though. The Giants have enough less than great defenders now. And good defenders/more complete ball players, had been the type of guy that they liked. With Dickerson, who’s not a good defender in LF, and who’s also a lefty, Schwarber isn’t really a good fit.
I disagree most though on your take on Zaidi. Because he hasn’t made a big splash doesn’t mean he hasn’t tried. They were seriously in on Harper. But sometimes you can do everything possible, and the player just decides to sign elsewhere. I think Zaidi’s done exactly what he needs to do for the situation the team is in. He has taken a team that some predicted to be historically bad and made them relevant. They’re moving in the right direction, and making the moves they can. I’ll take Zaidi and his measured moves over Preller and his bold moves any day.
If the Twins can’t re-sign Marwin or Adrianza, I’d rather see them move Arreaz or Polanco to the super-utility role and see if Nick Gordon or Royce Lewis can handle the bigs. Pitching is where the Twins will need to spend their money this offseason.
I hope Kike resigns with the Dodgers. He has a great glove. He can play everywhere on the field that’s a plus.