Angels Interested in Former Dodgers Super Utilityman

The Los Angeles Angels have had a quiet offseason after losing Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers. But they are still looking to find quality players who can do a little bit of everything to fill out the 40-man roster.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Sunday that the Angels are interested in utilityman Enrique Hernandez. The 32-year-old Hernandez hasn’t received a ton of free agency interest after undergoing double hernia surgery in October. But it should pick up with spring training on the horizon.

Angels Rumors: Is Enrique Hernandez Protection for Rendon?

Rosenthal also wrote that the Angels need protection for veteran third baseman Anthony Rendon, who has only appeared in 23% of the team’s games over the last three years. Last season, Rendon hit just .236 with two home runs and 22 RBI in 43 games.

Over his 10-year career, Hernandez has only played 45 games at the hot corner but can suit up all over the field. The only position he hasn’t played yet is catcher. Last season, Hernandez split time between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The veteran utilityman spent the last three seasons with Boston, slashing .234/.308/.382 before the Red Sox traded him before the trade deadline this past season to the Dodgers. 

In 54 games with Los Angeles, Hernandez slashed .262/.308/.423 with five home runs and 30 RBI. It was a notable improvement from how the veteran played earlier in the season with Boston (.222/.279/.320 with six home runs and 31 RBI).

The Angels need all the help they can get this offseason as they are considered long shots to win the AL West (+4125) on FanDuel Sportsbook. However, the hope is that the Angels can show improvement under manager Ron Washington.