The Los Angeles Dodgers had a successful offseason, signing two of the top free agents, Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, and bringing back Miguel Rojas and Evan Phillips on one-year contracts.
The Dodgers now have their deepest roster in recent memory, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman suggested the team was still looking to improve on the fringes before the start of the regular season.
One potential move that many believed the Dodgers would make is re-signing Kiké Hernández, who underwent left elbow surgery at the start of the offseason and will be sidelined to begin the year.
Hernández previously hinted that a reunion was possible, and it appears he will indeed be returning to L.A. for the 2026 season. Hernández posted on Instagram that he’s sticking with the Dodgers, writing, “What else did you expect?!!! 3 in a row has a nice ring to it! #WeBack”
Kiké Hernandez has signed back with #Dodgers
Source: @kikehndez IG pic.twitter.com/6xcGFD2Zrz
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 12, 2026
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the deal for Hernández and the Dodgers is one year, worth $4.5 million:
Source: Kiké Hernández's Dodgers deal is one year, $4.5 million.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 12, 2026
Hernández is coming off a difficult 2025 season that saw him hit just .203/.255/.366 with eight doubles, 10 home runs and 35 RBI in 92 games. He missed nearly two months because of the left elbow trouble and wasn’t his usual productive self in the playoffs.
The 34-year-old still had a memorable moment when he and Rojas turned a game-winning double play in Game 6 of the World Series to force a winner-take-all matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Hernández made a difficult running catch in left field and then fired the ball to Rojas at second base, who scooped the low throw while keeping his foot on the bag to double up Addison Barger.
The Dodgers went on to defeat the Blue Jays in Game 7 to capture their third World Series title since 2020, making Hernández a three-time champion with the team.
Kiké Hernández’s role with Dodgers in 2026
Hernández presumably will continue filling a utility role with the Dodgers after playing five different positions last season. He also made five pitching appearances — all in mop-up duty — and collected one strikeout in 5.1 innings.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
