Kiké Hernandez Rumors: Padres & Angels Among Finalists For Free Agency Decision

Kiké Hernández is still on the free agent market despite Spring Training being underway for all MLB clubs. However, that may not be the case much longer.

After joining the Los Angeles Dodgers at to the trade deadline in 2023, Hernández had a small offensive resurgence, and his versatility makes him an attractive target for multiple clubs.

Hernández is expected to sign a contract within the next two days, but his days with the Dodgers seem to be over. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Hernandez has narrowed down his finalists to a list of four teams:

Free-agent super-utility man Kiké Hernández is choosing between four teams, according to sources briefed on his discussions. The finalists, in no particular order, are the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.

The Los Angeles Angels have had the most reported interest in Hernández to this point, but they also held the belief he would prefer to return to the Dodgers.

But with the Dodgers seemingly no longer in the running, the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants could all use his services as well.

Hernández previously spent six seasons with the Dodgers before returning to the organization last summer. Before the trade, he was hitting just .222/.279/.320 in 86 games.

In 54 games with the Dodgers, Hernández batted.262/.308/.423 with five home runs, 30 RBI and 19 runs scored. Although he was acquired to hit against left-handed pitching, Hernández saw a swing in his splits, instead posting a 113 wRC+ against right-handers.

Kiké Hernández recovered from hernia surgery

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 hitting and running drills during offseason workouts.

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