The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Kiké Hernández to a one-year contract worth $4 million for the 2024 season. Hernández had been drawing interest from four other clubs, and he was expected to sign early this week.
While it was reported he was deciding between the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins, there was a belief Hernández was hoping to re-sign with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers acquired Hernández prior to the trade deadline last season amid his struggles with the Boston Red Sox. Prior to the trade, he was hitting just .222/.279/.320 batting line in 86 games.
In 54 games with the Dodgers, Hernández had a bit of a rebound, hitting .262/.308/.423 with five home runs, 30 RBI and 19 runs scored. While he was acquired to hit against left-handed pitching, he ended up with reverse splits.
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.
This will be his third stint with the Dodgers. He is a .242 hitter with 73 homers and 243 RBI with the team.
The Puerto Rican native has been in the Major Leagues parts of 10 seasons, amassing 108 homers and 393 RBI in 1,057 games between the Houston Astros (2014), Miami Marlins (2014), Dodgers (2015-2020, 2023) and Boston Red Sox (2021-22).
Dodgers traded Manuel Margot to clear room for Kiké Hernández
The Dodgers made room for Hernández by trading Manuel Margot and prospect Rayne Doncon to the Minnesota Twins for Minor League shortstop Noah Miller.
Margot was acquired earlier in the offseason, along with Tyler Glasnow, from the Tampa Bay Rays. He figured to play a role in the Dodgers’ outfield mix, possibly platooning with Jason Heyward or James Outman.
However, he always figured to be the odd man out if the Dodgers wished to bring back Hernández. The utility man effectively replaced Margot on the 40-man roster, as well as the 26-man roster.
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