For the second time in a week, a Philadelphia Phillies infielder is leaving the organization for the American League Central. On Sunday, just two days after Maikel Franco signed with the Kansas City Royals from the Phillies, second baseman Cesar Hernandez signed with the Cleveland Indians to a one year deal worth $6.25 million according to Rogers Sportsnet.
In 2019, Hernandez batted .279 with 14 home runs and 71 runs batted in. During the 161 games, Hernandez had 612 at bats and scored 77 runs, collected 171 hits, 31 doubles, three triples, nine stolen bases, 45 walks, a .333 on base percentage, .408 slugging percentage, 250 total bases and four sacrifice flies.
Throughout his Major League Baseball career, Hernandez of Valencia, Venezuela, has been known for his triples. He has 27 career triples in 832 games, including 11 triples in 2016, which led Major League Baseball that season.
The acquisition of Hernandez will make Cleveland’s infield one of the most dangerous in all of baseball. It also includes first baseman Carlos Santana, shortstop Francisco Lindor and third baseman Jose Ramirez.
It now also appears that Jason Kipnis will not be returning to the Indians. Kipnis is an unrestricted free agent after nine seasons with Cleveland.
Hernandez meanwhile became expendable when the Phillies decided to sign shortstop Didi Gregorius from the New York Yankees to a one year contract worth $14 million on December 13. The Phillies will be hoping Gregorius bounces back after only hitting .238 in 2019. Gregorius is a career .264 hitter with the Yankees, Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks.
With a record of 93 wins and 69 losses in 2019, the Indians should once again contend for a division title in 2020. They appear to have an edge over the Minnesota Twins and the improved Chicago White Sox.
