Indians Reportedly Agree to Deal With Ex-Phillies Utility Man Cesar Hernandez

It's just a one-year deal, but the Indians have made an essential hedge against a startling lack of infield depth that was exposed repeatedly in 2019.

After losing both Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez for long stretches last season, the Tribe was forced to turn immediately to faces like Max Moroff and Mike Freeman to stem the tide for a supposed contender.

Next year, they'll have Cesar Hernandez in place, having reportedly inked the versatile ex-Phillie to a contract on Monday.

Second baseman Cesar Hernandez and the Cleveland Indians are in agreement on a one-year, $6.25 million contract, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 23, 2019

Hernandez, a WAR favorite, hit .279 with 14 homers and 71 RBI in 2019, his most powerful output in a full season yet (following a 15-homer, 60-RBI campaign). The 29-year-old can scoot around the infield, though he's predominantly played second. In essence, Cleveland's getting a speedy infielder with moderate pop and versatile defensive skills for a low, low price. If injury concerns rear their ugly head again, he's also quite mobile.

Cesar Hernandez's last four seasons: .279/.357/.395 slash line, 15 stolen bases per year. Has been about league average or a little better offensively. He'll be the starting second baseman, Jose Ramirez will remain at third, as the team preferred.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) December 23, 2019

Let's see if his consistency is maintained with a switch to the American League.

At the very least, he should keep J-Ram at third, for the time being, where everyone would rather he'd be.