The Boston Red Sox have tapped ‘Super Utility’ Kike Hernandez (32) as their new starting shortstop. It was a decision that dismissed the possibility of trading Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres), which was claimed by the local media. 

On the 22nd (hereinafter referred to as Korean time), the official website of Major League Baseball, ‘MLB.com’, announced that Boston is planning to appoint Hernandez as a shortstop at this point. 

Boston’s main shortstop until last year, Zander Bogarts, moved to San Diego as a free agent. Second baseman Trevor Story, who had extensive experience as a shortstop, was expected to fill Bogarts’ vacancy, but his appearance in the first half became difficult as he underwent rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his right elbow. 

As a result, the Boston area media continued to argue that Kim Ha-seong should be traded as a substitute shortstop. Pitchers Chris Sale and Tanner Ha-wook were mentioned as trade cards, but Boston decided to move Hernandez, who had been the main center fielder for the past two years, to shortstop. This was predicted when he recruited free agent outfielder Adam Duvall on the 19th.  먹튀검증

“I’m really excited,” said Hernandez. I’ve been waiting all my life to play in the major leagues as a starting shortstop. I grew up as a shortstop, and it’s my favorite position,” he said. “I signed with Boston as a second baseman, but I played center fielder. He signed an extension to center field, but now plays shortstop. I am looking forward to a new challenge,” he expressed his excitement. 

Hernandez, who debuted with the Houston Astros in 2014 and went through the Miami Marlins to become a full-time big leaguer with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has a batting average of .239, 637 hits, 97 homers, 332 RBIs, and an OPS of .732 in 917 games in 9 seasons. He has been active as a super utility, covering all inside and outside field positions except for catcher. 

Boston has had a high percentage of business trips as a center fielder for the past two years. He had a fielding percentage of 97.8% with six errors in 64 career games (47 starts) and 618 innings as a shortstop. Boston, which has no full-time shortstop experience but lacks an alternative, is looking forward to Hernandez. 

Meanwhile, Story said, “It’s only 11 days since the surgery, so it’s too early to plan future schedules. But so far, I’m in good shape, and I’ll be able to come back this season.” Hernandez also said, “The story will come back during the season. A healthy story is a game changer.”