The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Kiké Hernández late in the offseason after he drew interest from multiple clubs, including a pair of Southern California rivals.
The super utility man was said to be nearing a free agency decision and had narrowed his list of teams to four, none of which included the Dodgers. They ultimately stepped up to get the deal done after trading Manuel Margot to the Minnesota Twins.
Hernández provided the team even more versatility and another option against left-handed pitching. He is also a fan favorite and one of the most popular players in the clubhouse due to the positive energy he brings.
General manager Brandon Gomes further noted that Hernández is an excellent fit on the 2024 Dodgers roster in part because of his success in the playoffs, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“The regular-season fit is very helpful and obvious,” Gomes said. ”And the known quantity of, we’ve seen Kiké [play well] time and time again in the postseason, is a nice added benefit of being able to bring him back.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts added that Hernández knows his role and makes any team better:
“He understands his value and what kind of player he is, a championship player,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Obviously, any roster that he’s on, he makes the ballclub better.”
Hernández expressed hope that he would be able to return to the Dodgers after enjoying somewhat of a resurgence during the second half of the 2023 season following being traded from the Boston Red Sox.
The 32-year-old hit .262/.308/.423 in 54 games with L.A. and actually fared better against right-handed pitching. That was despite playing through a hernia injury, which required surgery during the offseason.
In his first comments since re-signing, Hernández expressed excitement to not only be back with the Dodgers, but being healthy again as well
Kiké Hernández off to slow start
Like many of the hitters at the bottom of the Dodgers lineup, Hernández is off to a slow start in 2024, hitting .194 with a .406 on-base plus slugging percentage.
It is somewhat concerning given his struggles last season, but with the talent in the Dodgers lineup, they don’t need him to produce much. If Hernández hit at around league average levels, he should once again be a valuable piece for the club.
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