Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers became back-to-back World Series champions by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays, Kiké Hernández announced he underwent left elbow surgery that was going to require him to miss the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Hernández did not provide any details of the operation nor a timeline for his recovery. But given he wasn’t going to be healthy to play for Team Puerto Rico, the implication was being available for the start of the 2026 season also figured to be unlikely.
During an appearance on “Baseball & Coffee” hosted by Adam Ottavino, Hernández shared his elbow surgery to be an extensor repair and estimated he would potentially be out in May of 2026:
“They went in thinking it was going to be an extensor release, and when they went in, they realized I had torn that thing completely off the bone. So it turned out to be an extensor repair. I’ll be out for, like, a month or two next year.”
The current Dodgers free agent missed almost two months during the 2025 season because of left elbow trouble. Hernández suffered the injury on a head-first slide into home plate during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on May 28.
Hernández attempted to play through pain but it significantly impacted him at the plate and he wound up going on the 10-day injured list on July 7.
The Dodgers initially believed Hernández would be back shortly after the All-Star break, but the elbow discomfort continued to linger. Hernández wasn’t activated until Aug. 25, which came after he underwent nonsurgical procedures in effort to find a solution.
Hernández hit just .203/.255/.366 with eight doubles, 10 home runs and 35 RBI over 92 games this year. He aggravated the elbow injury on a diving catch attempt during the National League Championship Series but nevertheless was in the Dodgers lineup for all 17 playoff games and helped turn a crucial double play to win Game 6 of the World Series.
Dodgers free agent outlook: Kiké Hernández
Given some of his struggles during the regular season and requiring surgery, Hernández might face a modest market in free agency.
However, his postseason pedigree and versatility are key factors the Dodgers value. That could ultimately lead to re-signing the 34-year-old for another season.
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