The Los Angeles Dodgers made their first notable trade before the August 1 deadline as they acquired Kiké Hernández and cash considerations from the Boston Red Sox for Minor League pitchers Nick Robertson and Justin Hagenman.
Hernández, of course, previously spent six seasons with the Dodgers from 2015-2020, which was capped off with a World Series title before he signed with the Red Sox in free agency. During his first stint with the Dodgers, Hernández became a fan favorite while playing a crucial platoon role against left-handed pitchers.
“We’re excited to get Kiké back here,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He obviously helped us win a championship and had his best years here in a Dodger uniform. So I know the fans are excited, he’s got a great relationship with the fans, does a lot of stuff in the community.
“And I think for us, it’s more of he hasn’t had the best of seasons, but the bet is being back home, familiarity, kind of can tap back into being the player that we know he can be and we’ve seen.
“So I think for me, is to see him against left-handed pitching. He’s a Swiss army knife. I still stand by he’s one of the most talented baseball players I’ve been around. And so I’m excited to see him blend in with this ballclub. Like I said, it’s a very unselfish group, team-first oriented, so I think that Kiké can definitely help this group.”
Although the 31-year-old was productive in his time with the Dodgers and earned a contract extension with the Red Sox, he has struggled over the past two seasons. Hernández is batting .222/.279/.320 with a 60 wRC+ and -1.4 WAR so far this season.
The Dodgers believe there are some changes they can help him make to get back on track and a return to his platoon role should be beneficial moving forward. Hernández previously stated his desire to play every day, but Roberts believes the utilityman will be accepting of whatever role will help the club win.
“Well, that’s my expectation,” Roberts said when asked if Hernández is open to platooning. “I think given his role with the Red Sox, coming here, it’s going to be very clear his role on the ballclub. And my expectation is that he understands that, accepts it and thrives with that.”
Hernández has moved around the entire field throughout his career, mostly seeing time at both middle infield positions and all three outfield spots. He spent most of his time this season playing shortstop, and Roberts is undecided where Hernández will play for the Dodgers, but they expect him to bring positive value to the team regardless.
“First off, he understands how we do things and the versatility and the value of that,” Roberts said. “It opens up some things, whether it be the roster as we approach the deadline, his versatility, it opens up things in-game decision-making, and I’ve talked a lot about just trying to lengthen our lineup versus left-handed pitching. And so throughout his career, he’s done that.”
Roberts said the deal does not rule out another trade for a bat while also saying his belief that Hernández makes the club better today.
“He’s a floor raiser certainly,” the skipper said. “But if he plays the way that we expect him to play and how he has played for us, I mean, it’s a ceiling raiser.”
Kiké Hernández changes to No. 8 jersey with Dodgers
Hernández wore No. 14 in his first stint with the Dodgers, but that number has since been retired for Gil Hodges. This time around, Hernández will wear No. 8 with the club after wearing No. 5 during his time with the Red Sox.
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