Cesar Hernandez
DJ LeMahieu is the best second baseman on the market, but there is not a chance that the Boston Red Sox would shell out enough to lure him to town.
The next best free agent available, who is a natural second baseman, is veteran Cesar Hernandez.
Hernandez, 30, spent 2013 to 2019 with the Philadelphia Phillies and had a few decent seasons. He hit .283 in 2020 in 58 games, leading the AL in doubles with 20.
He is a .277 hitter with a career .736 OPS. in 890 games over eight seasons. His career high for home runs is 15, which he recorded in 2018.
This would be a realistic move for the Boston Red Sox because he is most likely going to sign a short-term, no more than two years, contract and he probably will not make more than $8 million a season. He could make slightly more, but he will most likely be on the less expensive side.
He would be a good hitter in the bottom half of their lineup behind Devers, JD Martinez, and Xander Bogaerts. He will be able to record a good number of RBIs.
Most importantly, Hernandez is very solid defensively, winning the 2020 AL Gold Glove Award. This will help strengthen Boston’s defense, as well as add to their depth.