Marco Hernandez

Hernandez spent most of the 2016 season at Triple-A Pawtucket, earning multiple callups throughout the year due to his solid play. The 24-year-old slashed .309/.343/.444 across 223 at-bats in Pawtucket and did well adjusting his bat to the big leagues, producing a .294/.357/.373 line over 51 at-bats in Boston. With his ability to play shortstop as well as second and third base, Hernandez makes himself an attractive option for the Red Sox next season, especially if he continues to hit for a solid average. The utility man featured at each of those infield positions for Boston last year, although his defensive skill set will likely work best at second base going forward. He will likely be at Triple-A to start the season, however, his versatility should quickly earn him some opportunities for the Red Sox.

Hernandez began the calendar year as a member of the Cubs but was traded to Boston prior to spring training as the player-to-be-named later in the 2014 deal that sent Felix Doubront to Chicago. The 23-year-old shortstop had a bit of a breakout year in his first season in the Red Sox organization. He started at Double-A Portland where his .326/.349/.482 slash was fueled by a .382 BABIP, and the numbers dropped after a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket. He’s overly aggressive and swings early in counts, such that he doesn’t draw many walks. Major-league pitchers will surely take advantage of that tendency. He has moderate power and could develop 10-homer potential in the majors. He’s still a bit raw in the field in terms of footwork and hands and may not stick long-term at short. He played some second base at Pawtucket and will probably be developed as a utility player with a good stick. Hernandez will open the year at Triple-A Pawtucket.