Cleveland Indians sign second baseman Cesar Hernandez

Cesar Hernandez likely fit the needs of the Cleveland Indians more than any remaining free agent. Now, he will play his home games at Progressive Field.

At long last, the Cleveland Indians have addressed a major issue on their 25-man roster, acquiring free agent second baseman Cesar Hernandez on a one-year, $6.25-million deal.

The Hernandez signing won’t be met with a great deal of fanfare, but the former Phillie is not without his fair share of potential to make an impact in 2020. The worst-case scenario for Hernandez is that he plays solid defense at second (he’s coming off a career-best six defensive runs saved in 2019), maintains the low-strikeout profile he’s demonstrated at the plate throughout his career, and allows Terry Francona to diversify his lineups with yet another switch-hitting infielder.

Those ground-level contributions having been mentioned, his upside could be much higher in Cleveland. From 2016-18, Hernandez’s on-base percentage never dipped below .356 in a full season, nor his wRC+ below 99 in the same span. In his final season with the Phillies, his OBP was .333, with a 92 wRC+.

Big-time power is unlikely to ever find its way into his arsenal, but Hernandez has mostly been a solid contact hitter with high walk rates during his best offensive seasons. If he is able to recapture the double-digit walk clips he enjoyed from 2016-18, there is potential for a leadoff role here. Having a player with his on-base ability in front of impact bats like Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, and Carlos Santana could greatly strengthen the top of Cleveland’s batting order.

Regarding the terms of the contract, a one-year commitment on Cleveland’s part indicates Hernandez is viewed as a stopgap until a couple of the Tribe’s ascending infield prospects are MLB-ready. Perhaps a high-upside youngster like Nolan Jones gives the Indians no choice but to promote him at some point in 2020, but for now it appears as though second and third base are spoken for by proven MLB players.

It’s also worth noting that, as much of a sight for sore eyes as it is to see the Indians make a noteworthy addition, this deal doesn’t necessarily suggest the Indians have moved on from the possibility of trading Lindor. In any case, the Indians took a step in the right direction by acquiring Hernandez–addressing a key need on their roster with a quality player.