Phillies trade rumors: Cesar Hernandez drawing interest

Phillies infielder Cesar Hernandez is drawing a notable amount of interest, according to CSNPhilly.com’s Jim Salisbury.

Hernandez, 26, had a productive season with the Phillies, batting .272/.339/.348 with one home run and 35 RBIs over 127 games. He was benched in June as a result of a mid-summer slump but responded by batting .327 for the rest of the season.

The Phillies didn’t use Hernandez in their deal for Howie Kendrick, so the Angels might be interested, according to Salisbury. Hernandez could be a short-term option for the Angels, who could then turn to Jesmuel Valentin or Scott Kingery in coming seasons.

If the Phillies are open to moving Hernandez, Kendrick could be the club’s second base option. However, Kendrick can also play left field should Philadelphia be open to keeping Hernandez on its roster.

This is likely the start of an active offseason for the Phillies, who ended 2016 fourth in the National League East standings.