Dodgers: Kike Hernandez Could be the Key in 2018

Kike Hernandez’ versatility and athleticism proved to be vital down the stretch since his arrival in the Dee Gordon trade. Even in a deep roster like the Dodgers have, his value may be irreplaceable by the end of 2018.

The Dodgers front office must be sitting back with a wide grin that says “we told you so” to all those who criticized its trades the last few seasons. Trading a franchise star in Matt Kemp away for a no-name catcher? Giving away speed demon, Dee Gordon, after his most productive season? And let’s not forget, who’s this Chris Taylor guy?

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Well, if there are winners and losers in transactions, the Dodgers are certainly the winners of all three. Chris Taylor had his season, the Dodgers now have Yasmani Grandal AND Matt Kemp, and they also got Austin Barnes and Kike Hernandez from the Marlins. Those trades alone are enough to make this front office good at what they do, but that’s not even including Alex Wood, Logan Forsythe, and rebuilding the farm system.

Yes it’s great that Kemp is tearing up Spring Training, and there’s now a healthy competition for the catching spot, but Hernandez may prove to be the biggest win out of all these trades. Why? He can play everywhere, and he’s starting to look more confident at the plate.

Kike’s defense wasn’t a question, it was his bat. It seems like we’ve seen every variation of a swing we can with Hernandez, including his unorthodox hanging foot last season. However, this year seems to be the year he finally puts it together. He came up with big hits in the 2017 postseason, and perhaps he is building off that success in high leverage moments. So far in the Cactus League, he’s slashing .286/.444/.762 with two home runs.

The reason why a complete Kike Hernandez is crucial is so Dave Roberts feels comfortable resting players like Corey Seager and Justin Turner. The pair struggled with injury in 2017, which forced Seager to sit out the NLCS and Turner’s production to go down in the World Series. The Dodgers need both in the lineup when October approaches. The best way to do that is making sure they aren’t getting hurt in July or August.

Hernandez also provides a right-handed bat that can pinch hit and come in defensively in a double switch, which Dave Roberts loves to do late in games. Believe it or not, Hernandez is one of the fastest Dodgers and has as good of an arm as Yasiel Puig. The latter may be more well-known for it, but those who’ve witnessed Kike’s arm can prove it. On an extraordinarily athletic team, Kike is one of the most athletic.

Next: Dodgers: Alex Verdugo Unlikely to get Chance in 2018

So there you have it, Kike’s value to a championship baseball team is like the value of a solid sixth man on a championship basketball team. Kike’s own production will benefit the team, but his ability to fill in for resting stars and the energy he brings to the team are all irreplaceable and will be relied upon down the stretch.