Although Spring Training games are underway for all teams, the group of Los Angeles Dodgers free agents includes the likes Kiké Hernández and J.D. Martinez, among others.
Even with there being yet another offseason freeze and top free agents still on the market, that Hernández or Martinez have not signed new contracts comes as somewhat of a surprise.
Martinez is the best designated hitter available and Hernández offers plenty of versatility along with a proven record of success in the postseason.
Both players have drawn reported interest from multiple teams throughout free agency, and according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Hernández is on the verge of signing a contract:
Kiké Hernandez is expected to sign by Sunday or Monday, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 24, 2024
The Los Angeles Angels have been reported as having interest in signing Hernández on multiple occasions throughout the offseason. Specifics did not surface, but multiple playoff-caliber teams were said to be interested as well.
In the Angels’ case, they recently were said to hold a belief Hernández preferred to re-sign with the Dodgers.
Hernández possibly returning to the Dodgers doesn’t appear to be a likely scenario due to their roster construction. If there is an area that could be improved, it is the Dodgers’ bench, but doing so appears challenging without much flexibility on their 26-man and 40-man rosters.
Hernández hit .262/.308/.423 with 12 doubles, five home runs and 30 RBI with the Dodgers after being traded by the Boston Red Sox at the deadline.
Kiké Hernández hernia surgery
Shortly after the Dodgers were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series, Hernández underwent double hernia surgery. He was projected to make a full recovery in time for the start of Spring Training and has posted multiple videos on Instagram of completing hitting and running drills during offseason workouts.
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