A Suitor Has Emerged in the Sweepstakes for Dodgers Free Agent Kiké Hernández
The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be set on the position player side of things as we approach the 2024 season. L.A. will enter the year with one of the most talented rosters the fanbase has ever seen, consisting of three MVPs batting first, second, and third in the order.
One player that seems to be the odd man out for next year is utility man Kiké Hernández. The Dodgers brought the fan favorite back at last year’s trade deadline, and he was able to somewhat resurrect his season.
In 54 games back in Dodger blue, Hernández slashed .262/.308/.423 with a .731 OPS. He hit five home runs and drove in 30 RBIs in 168 at-bats.
Now, Hernández is a free agent, and the chances of him returning to Los Angeles are low, especially after the addition of Teoscar Hernández. However, there’s a chance he could stay in Southern California.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Arte Moreno and the Angels are considering signing the veteran utility man.
“One free agent they’re considering, according to sources briefed on their discussions: Kiké Hernández, who made 11 starts at third after getting traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Dodgers last season and has played every position but catcher during his 10-year career.”
Via Ken Rosenthal via The Athletic
Hernández would be a great addition to an Angels team with many holes to fill. He can play all over the diamond, and could provide some veteran leadership.
If Hernández wants to stay in Southern California, the Angels may be his best shot. Barring a trade, the Dodgers don’t really have room for the 32-year-old veteran.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Kiki Hernandez should stay with the Dodgers. He is an asset to the team. He brings joy to the fans and Athletic abilities. I love to see him out in the field giving his all. He wants to win like all the other players. I hope the Dodgers will sign him for the seasons
I loves me some Kike. He always had small numbers, but it seemed like when he did get hits, they were impactful, timely, and often won games. He was mostly mediocre, but often clutch. The only thing I didn’t like was when I typed his name in comments sections, I would get flagged for inappropriate language.
NOOOOO…THEY NEED TO KEEP HIM….
?Kike needs to stay, he has been the best to get the job done when they need it the most!
Yes please keep him in dodger blue!!
Yes keep Kike in LA!! If not I’ll go watch him in Anaheim!!!
Just like they dumped Justin Turner, a proven spark plug
JT was a great person, yes, and loved by the fans, but Kike is more than that. I’ve pleaded my case about him before on this site, but he’s worth trading someone away to keep him. If Gomes is serious about building a dynasty, he needs to wake up and realize it’s not all 100% about offensive output. The guy is so uplifting and the team would benefit just having him there for years to come. I’d ship out any one of 10 guys on the current squad to keep him. Let’s be honest, Outman is a decent outfielder, but he’s not setting any records. Lux won’t ever be Turner or Seager, Rojas? If Andrelton Simmons couldn’t find a team to take him and chose to retire, how does Rojas have a job? All of this is said with love, but all of them are insignificant compared to what Kike brings to the vibe in the clubhouse. You want someone to carry you through tough stretches through a 9 month season? To make the game fun when they’re getting bored with winning too much? What about when pitchers get in funks and need to take their mind off themselves? Kike is maybe the best teammate for morale in the past 20 years. Teams overall should hold that in higher regard.
I totally agree with what you said above!