Dodgers: Players who were saved with 2020 trade deadline unlikely

Dodgers players saved by no trade deadline: Kiké Hernandez

Set to become a free agent after the 2021 season, Kiké Hernandez finds himself in an interesting place on the Dodgers roster. The super-utility man, who is accustom to finding regular at-bats spread across the diamond, might have less opportunities this year.

The Dodgers are hoping top prospect Gavin Lux follows the franchise tradition of taking the league by storm as a rookie player. With Corey Seager healthy and Lux playing everyday, it leaves Hernandez looking for at-bats elsewhere. Last season, Hernandez appeared in 96 games between second base and shortstop.

The 28-year-old hitter can also play in the outfield, but it will be crowded out there, too, after the addition of superstar Mookie Betts. With Betts and Cody Bellinger expected to play everyday, Joc Pederson and A.J. Pollock are expected to platoon in left field, leaving very limited opportunities for someone like Hernandez to play.

That leaves the corner infield, where Muncy and Turner are expected to take the lion’s share of playing time. Hernandez only appeared in three games at first and third last season.

What this means is the Dodgers could use a surplus of positional players to help their pitching staff in a season that will require depth. However, if trades aren’t allowed, perhaps Hernandez finds new life with a longer stay on the Dodgers roster.