The Los Angeles Dodgers saw seven players reach free agency the morning after the World Series concluded. It was a group that included Justin Turner, Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Pedro Baez and Blake Treinen, among others.
Of the bunch, Hernandez arguably has garnered the most attention thus far, reportedly receiving interest from the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
In what has been a slow-moving free agency across the league, Hernandez may still receive a multi-year contract given his ability to play all over the diamond and career success against left-handed pitching.
During an appearance on MLB Network’s “High Heat,” David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports revealed the Toronto Blue Jays are also pursing Hernandez, adding that he expects him to leave the Dodgers this offseason, via MLB.com:
“It doesn’t look like Kiké Hernandez is coming back. I think he sent that message loud and clear when he changed the avatar on his social media to a question mark on his hat. From what I understand, the Blue Jays and the Red Sox are in pursuit of Kiké.”
Hernandez is coming off a down season for the Dodgers, hitting just .230/.270/.410 with five home runs and 20 RBI in 48 games. However, he found more success during the postseason, memorably hitting a game-tying, pinch-hit home run against the Atlanta Braves in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.
Although matters could certainly change, it was recently reported Hernandez would be open to signing a one-year contract this winter.
Dodgers remaining in contact with DJ LeMahieu
With the expectation that Hernandez will sign elsewhere offseason and Turner still unsigned, the Dodgers reportedly have remained in contact with DJ LeMahieu.
The 32-year-old could play third base if Turner signs elsewhere or perhaps be a solution at second base. He is coming off a strong 2020 campaign that culminated with winning his second career batting title.
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