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The Cleveland Indians have re-signed Cesar Hernandez, taking the star second baseman off of the free agency market. Hernandez is signing a one-year contract worth $5 million with a club option for $6 million.
With the Indians deciding to trade star shortstop Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets, it made sense for them to keep Hernandez for another season. But with Cleveland getting Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario from New York, there was speculation that Hernandez might not be on their radar anymore.
In his first year with the Indians, Hernandez slashed .283/.355/.408 with three home runs and 20 RBI. The 30-year-old infielder also had 20 doubles in 261 plate appearances, which was tied for second-best in his career. Additionally, Hernandez showed that he could be a great infielder, capturing his first-ever Gold Glove award at second base. The Indians will need that as they usher in a new era and young infielders this season.
Cesar Hernandez came up in the Philadelphia Phillies system where he spent seven seasons before becoming a free agent in 2019.