Kike Hernandez: Is he the perfect Xander Bogaerts shortstop replacement for Boston Red Sox?

Can Kike Hernandez replace Xander Bogaerts with the Boston Red Sox? It's unlikely that the utility player could ever be as much of a fan favorite as Bogaerts was. But the Boston front office isn't necessarily looking for that - they're looking for someone who can play shortstop.

Bogaerts left for the San Diego Padres, who offered him more money than the Red Sox would have. He signed for 11 years and $280 million, but it left a hole at shortstop for the Red Sox.

Kike Hernandez and Xander Bogaerts

Since they didn't sign one in free agency and don't have an immediate replacement with Trevor Story playing second base and injured for the time being, the Sox may turn to Kike Hernandez.

For some in the Boston organization, that will be a defensive upgrade.

According to Yahoo! Sports, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has full faith in Hernandez:

"He's a good shortstop, man. He's a good shortstop. I know his goals and I can see it because he is a great defender. It's a different dynamic in that position for us compared to previous years, right? The other guy (Bogaerts) is a complete shortstop."

He continued:

"Played good defense. Offensively, he's one of the best in the big leagues. So, all around, he's one of the top shortstops in the big leagues. But I think defensively, it's a little bit different with Kike there and he's going to play a lot there."

Time will tell if Hernandez can live up to the legend of Bogaerts.

---

Kike Hernandez believes he is a better shortstop than a center fielder

Kike Hernandez says he's a better shortstop than outfielder:

"I've always said I'm an infielder that can play outfield. It's what comes naturally to me and I think my instincts are way better suited to the infield. Unfortunately, the only position I've really gotten to play on a daily basis was center field here."

He added:

"I played a lot of second base with the Dodgers, but I didn't play every day and I still played other positions once in a while. I think that's why people think that center field might be my best position, but I do believe shortstop could be that, and I'm looking forward to proving it."

In his career, Hernandez has 39 defensive runs saved in the outfield and 26 in all four infield spots.