3 Red Sox starters who could be replaced by major free agent signings
By Tim Boyle
2) Red Sox should replace Enrique Hernandez with the best free agent center fielder out there
Enrique Hernandez wouldn’t be an awful fit to return to Boston. What made him such a unique player early on in his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers was how he could bounce around the field. He’s capable of starting but better off as the backup for just about everyone on the field.
Center field is a tough position to fill given how few players there are out there with the ability to hit and play the position defensively. This offseason, there is one guy for Boston to target: Brandon Nimmo.
Nimmo has shown grown into one of the best center fielders in the game. A leadoff hitter without tremendous base stealing abilities, what has made him so successful is the ability to draw walks. His OBP numbers this year aren’t all that impressive but he has a track record of reaching base at a clip of .400+ in several past years.
On top of that, Nimmo has learned how to become a really steady fielder. He’d probably trend more toward a corner spot in future years but could give the Red Sox a major boost at the position on both sides of the ball next year.
As for Hernandez, he’s a good safety net for Nimmo and just about everyone else on the field. If the Red Sox plan to bring him back, a secondary role would make more sense.