Dodgers: 3 internal options that could fill Kiké Hernandez’s role

When Kiké Hernandez officially left the Los Angeles Dodgers to sign with the Boston Red Sox, almost every fan would tell you it was a gut punch even though they knew he wasn’t coming back.

In some ways, Hernandez was among the most instrumental figures on this Dodgers team ever since their run of dominance began.

He’d been with the franchise since 2015, provided an ebullient personality, delivered clutch hits and was a Swiss Army knife on defense.

We could sit here all day and ponder why the Dodgers didn’t just give him the two-year, $14 million contract that the Red Sox did, but there’s no sense in doing that.

We need to look ahead and determine who could fill the role he executed admirably for six years.

Believe it or not, the Dodgers actually have some guys on the 40-man roster who could potentially be that guy.

However, how seamless the transition would be and how long it would last are two completely different stories. But let’s just focus on 2021 for now and see where that gets us.

These three Los Angeles Dodgers could fill the role left behind by Kiké Hernandez.

3. Chris Taylor

We’re not breaking any news to you on this front, but Chris Taylor is the obvious option to secure a stranglehold on the utility role in 2021. The only problem? He’s a free agent after this season, so the Dodgers will likely have to ease one of the next two options into action in order to make a smooth transition in the future.

Part of the Dodgers’ identity is possessing that all-around scrappy ball player who can provide a pesky at-bat and slot in almost anywhere defensively when an overarching lineup change needs to be made. Chris Taylor has played that part alongside Hernandez since 2017 and he’s largely done a great job, save for his really, really bad showing in the 2020 postseason.

• 2017: 4.5 WAR and 4 DRS
• 2018: 3.9 WAR and 5 DRS
• 2019: 1.7 WAR and -1 DRS
• 2020: 2.1 WAR and 5 DRS

Don’t forget, the man is playing second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield spots (but mostly center and left) when called upon. He’s first in line to take on this role, but then we have a question about depth. What if AJ Pollock’s injury troubles pop up again? That’ll likely entrench Taylor in left field, which could give way to these next few guys.