Dodgers acquire Enrique Hernandez from Red Sox

Enrique Hernandez is heading back to Hollywood.

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Hernandez from the Boston Red Sox along with cash, in exchange for right-handed relievers Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman, the teams announced Tuesday.

The Red Sox sent $2.5 million to the Dodgers, according to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. That amount covers over half of Hernandez's remaining salary (approximately $3.6 million) in 2023.

Red Sox third baseman Justin Turner, a longtime teammate of Hernandez in Los Angeles before they were reunited in Boston this year, didn't seem happy about the trade.

The move brings Hernandez back to familiar stomping grounds at Dodger Stadium, where he was a fan favorite during his first stint with the club. Hernandez helped the Dodgers win three National League pennants and the 2020 World Series title as a valuable utility piece over six seasons with Los Angeles.

The 31-year-old originally joined Boston as a free agent after the 2020 World Series on a two-year, $14-million deal, then helped the Red Sox to a surprise ALCS appearance with a dominant performance in the 2021 playoffs. He signed a one-year, $10-million extension with the Red Sox last September.

Hernandez is having a difficult season, hitting a career-worst .222/.279/.320 with six homers and 31 RBIs over 86 games for the Red Sox. He started the season as Boston's primary shortstop after Trevor Story underwent offseason elbow surgery and Xander Bogaerts left in free agency but struggled defensively, tallying minus-6 defensive runs saved at the position. Hernandez did perform better with the glove at both center field and second base.

"I just want to say thank you to (Enrique)," Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told NESN, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. "This guy became a huge part of our organization."

As a depth piece, Hernandez brings a bat that's historically hit well against left-handed pitching, as well as additional versatility, to manager Dave Roberts' bench. Hernandez has made at least one appearance at every position but catcher during his 10-year career.

Los Angeles has been seeking additional depth amid the struggles of some of its younger players. Rookie second baseman Miguel Vargas was sent to Triple-A last week amid continued struggles, while first-year outfielder James Outman had some regression at the plate in May and June.

Robertson, one of the pitchers heading to Boston, posted a 6.10 ERA and 3.19 FIP with 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings with the Dodgers this year, his first MLB experience. The 25-year-old has spent most of this season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he owns a 2.54 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and nine walks in 27 appearances.

Hagenman, 26, has also spent this season pitching out of Oklahoma City's bullpen. The former 23rd-round draft pick owns a 2.78 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 60 strikeouts and one save in 55 innings at Triple-A this year, his fifth professional season.