Utility man and fan favorite Enrique Hernández will not be returning to the Dodgers in 2021, as he has appeared to have found a new home, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Red Sox, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The deal is pending a physical and has not yet been confirmed by Boston.

The Dodgers were interested in bringing Hernández back at the right price, but the 29-year-old was looking for an opportunity to play every day, and preferably at one position as opposed to playing all over the diamond as he did in Los Angeles. The Red Sox, who were one of the worst teams in the American League in ‘20, should be able to provide Hernández with plenty of playing time at second base.

Hernández becomes the third player to leave the Dodgers in free agency this offseason, joining Pedro Báez, who inked a deal with the Astros earlier this week, and Alex Wood, who joined the National League West rival Giants.

Hernández, who the Dodgers acquired from the Marlins in December 2014, hit five home runs and had a .680 OPS in 48 games last season, still showing an ability to hit left-handed pitching. But his real value came with his elite defensive versatility. Hernández turned into one of the best defensive infielders, finishing with an NL-leading eight defensive runs saved at second base. The Dodgers will count on Chris Taylor and Zach McKinstry to fill in Hernández’s role.

Aside from his versatility, Hernández always showed up when the Dodgers needed him most. He has eight career postseason home runs, perhaps none bigger than his game-tying homer in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the 2020 NL Championship Series against the Braves.

With Hernández now heading to Boston, Los Angeles' focus remains on adding a right-handed bat to its lineup. Justin Turner remains the primary target, though the free-agent third baseman has been adamant about wanting a four-year deal. The Dodgers have also reached out to Marcus Semien and have been linked to the Cubs' Kris Bryant and the Reds' Eugenio Suárez in trade talks.