Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Enrique Hernández (baseball)

How Enrique Hernández (baseball) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Enrique "Kike" Hernández is a Puerto Rican professional baseball utility player currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his versatility, Hernández has played multiple positions throughout his MLB career, which includes stints with the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, and Boston Red Sox. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has made him a valuable asset to his teams.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1988: Dodgers reach World Series

In 2017, Enrique Hernández helped send the Dodgers to the World Series for the first time since 1988.

2009: Drafted by Astros

In 2009, Enrique Hernández was drafted by the Houston Astros in the sixth round and received a $150,000 signing bonus, playing primarily second and third base.

2010: Plays Second Base Exclusively

In 2010, Enrique Hernández played exclusively second base for the Houston Astros.

July 1, 2014: MLB Debut

On July 1, 2014, Enrique Hernández was called up to the majors and made his debut for the Houston Astros against the Seattle Mariners, collecting two hits, including a ground-rule double.

July 31, 2014: Traded to Miami Marlins

On July 31, 2014, Enrique Hernández was traded by the Houston Astros to the Miami Marlins along with Jarred Cosart and Austin Wates.

September 26, 2014: First Career Grand Slam

On September 26, 2014, while playing for the Miami Marlins, Enrique Hernández hit his first career grand slam off Craig Stammen of the Washington Nationals.

December 10, 2014: Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers

On December 10, 2014, Enrique Hernández was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Chris Hatcher, Austin Barnes, and Andrew Heaney.

2014: First MLB Call-Up

In 2014, Enrique Hernández was called up to the major leagues for the first time.

April 28, 2015: Recalled by Dodgers

On April 28, 2015, Enrique Hernández was recalled by the Los Angeles Dodgers from AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers.

2017: Versatile Performance and Postseason Success

In 2017, Enrique Hernández played every position except pitcher and catcher, batting .215. In the NLCS Game 5, he hit three home runs, including a grand slam, driving in seven runs to send the Dodgers to the World Series for the first time since 1988.

2017: World Baseball Classic Silver Medal

In 2017, Enrique Hernández played for the Puerto Rico national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic, where he won a silver medal.

January 2018: Signs $1.6 Million Contract

In January 2018, Enrique Hernández signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Dodgers, after being eligible for salary arbitration for the first time.

July 25, 2018: Pitches and Takes the Loss

On July 25, 2018, Enrique Hernández pitched for the first time in his career, entering in the 16th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies and took the loss after giving up a walk-off home run.

October 29, 2018: Selected for MLB All-Star Team

On October 29, 2018, Enrique Hernández was selected to form part of the MLB All-Star team for the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.

April 19, 2019: First Homer Off Hader

On April 19, 2019, Enrique Hernández became the first player to hit a home run off Josh Hader when the count was 0-2.

August 22, 2019: First Career Walk-Off Hit

On August 22, 2019, Enrique Hernandez hit his first career walk-off hit in the team's 3–2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays.

July 23, 2020: Drives in Five Runs on Opening Day

On July 23, 2020, Enrique Hernandez drove in five runs in an Opening Day 8–1 win against the San Francisco Giants.

February 2, 2021: Signs with Boston Red Sox

On February 2, 2021, Enrique Hernández signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.

October 2022: Represents Team Puerto Rico

In October 2022, it was announced that Hernandez would once again represent Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

2022: Plays for Boston Red Sox

In 2022, Enrique Hernández played in 93 games for the Boston Red Sox, batting .222 with six home runs. He was placed on the injured list due to a hip flexor strain and later signed a contract extension.

July 25, 2023: Traded Back to Dodgers

On July 25, 2023, the Red Sox traded Enrique Hernández back to the Dodgers in exchange for Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman.

2023: Contract Extension for 2023 Season

In 2022, the Red Sox announced that Enrique Hernández signed a one-year, $10 million contract extension for the 2023 season.

2023: World Baseball Classic Performance

In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Enrique Hernández batted .300 over Puerto Rico's five games.

2023: Emerges as Leader for Red Sox

Prior to the 2023 season, with Xander Bogaerts gone, Enrique Hernández emerged as a leader in the Red Sox clubhouse and was named to be the Red Sox starting shortstop come opening day.

2024: Plays Every Position but Catcher and Right Field

In 2024, Enrique Hernández played in 126 games appearing at every position except catcher and right field, though getting most of his time at third base while Max Muncy was on the injured list. He hit .229 with 12 homers and 52 RBI.