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Chicago White Sox find stopgap at second with Cesar Hernandez

By David Hill

Jul 25, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Cesar Hernandez (7) runs home to score during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Cesar Hernandez (7) runs home to score during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago White Sox did not have much shopping to do at the trade deadline. With Eloy Jiminez and Luis Robert coming back, their lineup upgrades were coming through internally. However, there was one potential issue – second base, where Nick Madrigal had been lost for the season.

That issue has been fixed. The White Sox have acquired Cesar Hernandez from the Indians, sending minor league pitcher Konnor Pilkington to Cleveland.

Chicago White Sox fill hole at second with Cesar Hernandez

While Hernandez has been known for providing solid defense and a strong batting average, that has not been the case this season. He has a somewhat disappointing .231/.307/.431 batting line in his 420 plate appearances, although that is mitigated by what is already a career best 18 homers and 17 doubles.

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Hernandez would potentially be more than a rental for the White Sox. While Madrigal will be back next season, Hernandez has a $6 million team option without a buyout. Hernandez has strictly been a second baseman over the past few years, but he does have experience at short, third, and center. It is possible that the White Sox could use him as a utility man if they pick up his option.

In exchange, the Indians received an intriguing arm in Pilkington. He is regarded as having average to below average stuff, but his four pitch mix with decent command make him a possible back of the rotation arm. He also performed well in Double-A, posting a 3.48 ERA and a 0.919 WHiP in his 62 innings, striking out 71 batters with 21 walks. It is possible that he develops into more than is expected, especially with the Indians’ tendency to get far more out of pitching prospects than expected.

It would not be a surprise if this was the biggest move that the White Sox make before the deadline. They may well look to add more bullpen depth, and they have been looking for a catcher with Yasmani Grandal being on the Injured List, but that may not necessarily be a priority.

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The Chicago White Sox have found their stopgap at second base with Cesar Hernandez. He may be the only move that the White Sox make before the deadline.

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