The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the offseason with several players reaching free agency, including Kiké Hernández, who has been key to their success in recent years.
The utility man endured a difficult 2025 season as he hit just .203/.255/.366 with eight doubles, 10 home runs and 35 RBI in 92 games.
Hernández was limited by left elbow trouble that cost him nearly two months and ultimately required offseason surgery.
According to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, there nevertheless is mutual interest between the Dodgers and Hernández to come to terms on a new contract:
There is mutual interest in another reunion between Hernández and the Dodgers, though it’s unclear how Hernández’s health will affect future contract negotiations between the team and player.
When Hernández became a free agent after the 2024 World Series, he made a public plea to re-sign with the Dodgers. Although that was the end result, it wasn’t until just before Spring Training began that Hernández was re-signed to a one-year contract.
Along with Hernández, the Dodgers figure to have interest in Miguel Rojas returning as well. He too has made it clear of a preference being to remain with L.A.
They both delivered in key moments during the postseason to help the Dodgers repeat as World Series champions.
Kiké Hernández’s left elbow surgery
Hernández did not provide specific details of his surgery, but noted the injury he played through wound up causing the muscle that allows the arm to extend to separate from the bone in his left elbow.
Because of the operation, Hernández is not going to be able to play for Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. It’s not yet clear how it might affect his availability for Opening Day of next season.
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