The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to terms with infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández on a one-year contract for $6.5 million. Hernández first reported the agreement himself, but the deal is now official.
In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers transferred right-handed pitcher Gavin Stone to the 60-day injured list. Stone is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
Hernández has played in 828 games for the Dodgers, including 180 since being reacquired from the Boston Red Sox at the July 2023 trade deadline. In 126 games for the Dodgers last season, he had a .654 OPS with 12 homers and 42 RBI while posting a 1.3 bWAR.
Despite his poor season, he helped propel the Dodgers to their second World Series Championship in the last five seasons with a go-ahead solo homer in the winner-take-all Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres.
Hernández went on to hit .294 in 14 postseason games, clubbing two homers and driving in six runners.
Notably, Hernández began to hit better after addressing his eyesight and wearing glasses during games. That perhaps provides reason for hope that he can become more consistent over an entire season.
The 33-year-old enters his ninth season for the Dodgers with an 11.3 bWAR, 85 homers and 285 RBI. In eight postseasons with Los Angeles, the San Juan, Puerto Rico native has amassed 10 homers and 26 RBI.
He is in his 12th Major League season overall, having played with Houston Astros (2014), Miami Marlins (2014), Dodgers (2015-20, 2023-) and Red Sox (2021-23), slashing .238/.308/.405 with 120 homers and 435 RBI in 1,183 career games.
Andrew Friedman praised Kiké Hernández’s leadership
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman praised Hernández’s leadership in the playoffs and noted the impact he made on the club.
Friedman went on to add the Hernández was the only position player add the Dodgers would have made due to their crowded roster.
His comments also came amid renewed Nolan Areando trade rumors, but those never made a ton of sense from the Dodgers standpoint and were likely spread by the St. Louis Cardinals to increase interest in their third baseman.
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!
