Kiké Hernandez could be a Cubs target. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Rundown: Kiké Hernández Could Be FA Option, Theo Epstein Mentioned as Mets Front Office Candidate, Sunday Baseball Notes

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterNovember 8, 2020

With the 2020 presidential election seemingly decided and the offseason now entering week two, it will be nice to see some of the focus switch back to the hot stove. Believe it or not, we are now just about 100 days shy of spring training and there are a whole lot of players available in free agency. That list includes some old friends, with more expected as teams decide whether or not to offer contracts to their arb-eligible players.

Just like every winter since winning the World Series in 2016, the Cubs will be looking for a contact hitter — preferably an outfielder or second baseman — relief help, and depth in their starting rotation. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will be shopping the bargain aisles again, hoping to find a cheap treasure or two due to the potential lack of spending by a majority of the league’s other teams. Former Cubs second baseman Tommy La Stella is often mentioned as a possible acquisition, though he may actually be too pricey for Epstein’s limited budget.

La Stella doesn’t swing and miss much, something David Ross desperately needs in his everyday lineup if he wants to compete for a division title in 2021. The infielder had 27 walks and 12 strikeouts while playing for the Angels and Athletics this season, posting a .370 on-base percentage that would have placed him second on the Cubs right behind Jason Heyward (.381). The caveat is that 3 AM will turn 32 in January, though he should draw a ton of interest from several teams because he’s versatile and consistently puts the ball in play.

The Cubs may have some neighborly competition if they hope to sign La Stella as the Brewers are also reportedly interested in signing him, with the White Sox also mentioned in rumors.

One intriguing option for the Cubs who should come at a much lower price is Dodgers infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández, a player intimately familiar to many of the team’s fans after he single-handedly eliminated the Cubs in the 2017 NLCS. The 29-year-old offers the defensive flexibility that Epstein and Hoyer generally crave and is coming off a down year, so he will most likely be affordable. The right-handed hitting Hernández has been well above-average against left-handers, too. In seven seasons he’s slashed .263/.345/.819 with a.347 wOBA and a 120 wRC+ against southpaws.

The Cubs could also turn to the international market and sign Ha-Seong Kim if they are looking for a decent contact hitter. Padres infielder Jurickson Profar could be an option, too, given his versatility and contact abilities.

Cubs News & Notes

Odds & Sods

Nothing warms a cold winter like hot stove season.

Apropos of Nothing

The first draft of what became the screenplay for the movie Animal House was a rejected National Lampoon short story about high school hijinx called Lazer Orgy Girls.

Sunday Baseball Notes

  1. The Blue Jays have re-signed left-hander Robbie Ray to a one-year, $8 million contract. Ray pitched in five games with the Blue Jays this September after being acquired from the Diamondbacks in a deadline deal for fellow southpaw Travis Bergen and was a combined 2-5 with a 6.62 ERA on the season.
  2. After a year-long suspension, the Red Sox have hired Álex Cora to return as their manager, though it was reportedly not a unanimous decision within the organization. Apparently, Sam Fuld was the favorite of Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom.
  3. A video of Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez training with Braves free agent DH/outfielder Marcell Ozuna has Boston fans dreaming about the possibility of Bloom chasing after the former Cardinals outfielder in free agency.
  4. The league has accepted part of the blame for the actions of third baseman Justin Turner during the Dodgers’ World Series celebration when he returned to the field after his positive COVID-19 test, saying there was a miscommunication, and has determined that he will not be disciplined. Meanwhile, nine members of the organization have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since the season ended.
  5. The Cardinals will be looking for a contact-hitting outfielder this winter and may target one of George Springer, Michael Brantley, or Joc Pederson in free agency. It’s probably safe to assume Springer is a no-go since he will require the loss of a draft pick, something history shows president of baseball operations John Mozeliak is unlikely to do.
  6. According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu is expected to decline the Bombers’ qualifying offer. The infielder has until next Wednesday to officially inform the team whether or not he will elect free agency instead. Trevor Bauer has already turned down his offer from the Reds, and Heyman indicated that Springer and J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies are expected to follow suit.
  7. Free agent White Sox catcher James McCann believes Tony La Russa is the perfect hire for the South Side baseball club. A good portion of the Sox fan base was stunned by the team’s decision to hire La Russa, especially after GM Rick Hahn described the ideal candidate being someone who has “recent October experience with a championship organization.”
  8. Tim Anderson has heard plenty about La Russa’s old school approach to the game and how he intends to lead the team, but the shortstop indicated he is unlikely to alter his style of play or change his celebratory approach to big hits.
  9. The MLBPA would like to see the National League continue with the DH, but it appears that team owners want expanded playoffs in return. ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted that the players are likely to see that as too much of a concession.

Extra Innings

Nothing like having an entire lifetime thrust into the spotlight thanks to one epic postseason, but if anyone deserves it, it’s Randy Arozarena.

They Said It

  • “I am grateful for the opportunity to manage once again and return to the game I have loved my entire life. This past year, I have had time to reflect and evaluate many things, and I recognize how fortunate I am to lead this team once again.  Not being a part of the game of baseball, and the pain of bringing negative attention to my family and this organization was extremely difficult. I am sorry for the harm my past actions have caused and will work hard to make this organization and its fans proud.” – Álex Cora

Sunday Walk Up Song

California Dreamin’ by the Mamas & The Papas – Despite the unseasonably warm weather, it sure looks a lot like November outside. Very few leaves left on the trees. Enjoy it while you can.

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterNovember 8, 2020
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