The Detroit Tigers have added to their infield pool.
The Tigers signed second baseman César Hernández to a minor-league contract with an invitation to MLB spring training, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The 32-year-old will earn $1.5 million if he makes the major leagues, with the chance for an additional $1.85 million in performance bonuses.
Hernández, a 10-year MLB veteran, hit .248 with one home run, 45 walks and 114 strikeouts in 147 games last season with the Washington Nationals. The switch-hitter spent his first seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.
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Last season, Hernández posted a 7.3% walk rate and an 18.5% strikeout rate. He didn’t hit the ball hard, as his average exit velocity (84.8 mph) ranked 129th among 130 qualified hitters, but he made smart swing decisions at the plate.
There were three encouraging signs: His 20.4% swing-and-miss rate ranked in the 76th percentile, his 25.9% chase rate ranked in the 69th percentile, and his 18.5% strikeout rate ranked in the 68th percentile. His walk rate, although below league average, was nearly better than the combination of former utility players Willi Castro (3.8%) and Harold Castro (3.8%).
In 2021, Hernández launched a career-high 21 home runs for the Cleveland Guardians (18 homers in 96 games) and Chicago White Sox (three homers in 53 games). At the trade deadline, the Guardians shipped him to the White Sox for left-hander Konnor Pilkington.
He started 124 games at second base for the Nationals, adding eight starts at third base and seven starts in left field. He stole 10 bases in 14 attempts and flashed above-average speed but below-average arm strength.
Hernández, spanning his entire career, has played second base, third base, center field, shortstop and left field.
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