Kiké Hernández still remains a free agent despite an impressive 2024 postseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The obstacle could be as simple as the Dodgers not having any space for Hernández on their 40-man roster at the moment, which can change once Spring Training begins and the 60-day injured list becomes available for use.
However, it has also been reported there’s a possibility of a reunion between Hernández and the Dodgers not coming to fruition.
Whatever the case, remaining unsigned has not prevented Hernández from enjoying the rest of his offseason and he most recently spotted at an NHL game in Utah.
Spotted in Utah ⚾️
Kiké Hernández (@kikehndez) is taking in the game and cheering on the NHL's newest franchise! pic.twitter.com/s1AhcMJ2fk
— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2025
The Utah Hockey Club is the most recent addition to the NHL and they are in the midst of their inaugural season. Utah is the third expansion team to join the NHL in the past eight seasons, with the founding of the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and Seattle Kraken in 2021.
The Golden Knights’ first season in the NHL was the most successful of any expansion team in the history of North American sports. Not only did they become the first expansion team in the four major sports to win its division in their first year of existence, but they also made the Stanley Cup Finals that same season.
The Kraken were unable to replicate that same level of success in their inaugural season and made their first playoff appearance in 2023.
Utah has held its own in 2024 with a 21-21-8 record so far, which has them in contention for a playoff spot. However, there is still a long way to go with the NHL playoffs beginning in April.
Furthermore, the Utah hockey team is garnering attention with an impending fan vote to determine their permanent name. Yeti was eliminated from consideration due to copyright issues with Yeti Cooler.
Thus, fans are being asked to choose from Utah Mammoth, Utah Wasatch and Utah Hockey Club in voting at games, which began Wednesday.
Dodgers re-signing Kiké Hernández?
Despite the recent report hinting that a deal does not seem to currently be in the works, Hernández has been vocal about the Dodgers being his “main priority” in free agency.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, re-signing Hernández would make for a strong fit both in terms of roster flexibility and in the clubhouse.
The situation is likely to become more clear once Spring Training begins.
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