Tribe resigns Hernandez on one-year deal

Cesar Hernandez is back with the Indians, a move that sets up a spring training battle at second base.

Cesar Hernandez is back with the Indians, a move that sets up a spring training battle at second base.

Hernandez signed a one-year deal for $5 million, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The Indians are not confirming the signing because Hernandez must pass his physical for the move to become official.

Hernandez was on a one-year deal with the Indians last year for $6.25 million. He hit .283, doubled 20 times, hit three home runs and knocked in 20 runs in 58 games in the season shortened to 60 games by the novel coronavirus.

virus.

The one-year “show us” contract came at a bad time for Hernandez. He proved himself well enough at the plate and was steady with his glove on the right side of the infield, but with no fans in the stands generating revenue, teams don’t have piles of money to throw at free agents this winter.

Earlier this month, the Indians traded All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor

and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets for infielders Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez plus two young prospects.

Rosario and Gimenez both want to play shortstop, but each also said he will play the position that helps the team most. Rosario has more experience at shortstop, which means Gimenez and Hernandez could launch a spirited battle to start at second base that could last all of spring training in Goodyear, Ariz.

Hernandez is a 30-yearold switch-hitter on a oneyear

deal. Gimenez, 22, bats left-handed. Gimenez hit .263 with three home runs, 12 RBI and three doubles in 49 games as a rookie with the Mets last year. He won’t hit free agency until 2026.

There is enough room for Rosario, Hernandez and Gimenez on the roster. Gimenez made 29 starts for the Mets last season. Hernandez started 57 of the 58 games he played with the Indians.

And while Hernandez reupped with the Indians for another season, closer Brad Hand will not be doing the same. Hand signed a oneyear,

$10.5 million with the Nationals on Jan. 26.

Hand was a perfect 16for-16 in save opportunities with the Indians last season to lead the Major Leagues in saves. The Indians declined his $10 million option for 2021.

Indians manager Terry Francona in December was on a Zoom call with media covering the Indians and said the heir to Hand’s closer role will be determined in spring training. Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak from the 2020 roster are candidates for the job.