Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes addressed the free-agent status of longtime veteran Kiké Hernández.
Where the Dodgers stand with Kike Hernandez
Hernandez is once again a free agent after a season with the Dodgers, though this time his return does not seem as imminent as before.
During the MLB General Managers’ meetings, Gomes was asked about the pending free agent as the days count down until the lockout.
“I think Kiké’s been such a huge part of what we’ve done in the past and we’ll continue to have those conversations, but what that looks like right now, I don’t know,” Gomes said of Hernandez.
Seemingly, as Hernandez and the Dodgers try to assess his market and weigh possible upgrades, there is still an open line of communication, which opens a path for a reunion down the line.
However, factors may lead the team to bring in some fresh blood to the batting order.
Why the Dodgers may not bring back Hernandez
Last year, the Dodgers and Hernandez did a bit of song and dance before he re-signed ahead of Spring Training.
Despite recovering from elbow surgery, he agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract and started the season on the injured list until May, when he came back, just to once again get hurt, this time with an abdominal tear.
He missed another handful of months before coming back for the end of the season and the postseason.
Over the regular season, he hit .222/.271/.400 in 41 games, with four home runs, 12 RBIs, 28 strikeouts, and just six walks.
The postseason, aside from a big home run in the NLDS, was no different: 1-for-14 with no walks and three strikeouts.
With elbow injuries impacting him over the last two years, along with the abdominal injury, Hernandez’s injury record has become somewhat alarming, and at age 35, is it possible for things to get better?
The Dodgers felt like an old squad that could use some new blood, and if they want to pave the way for younger position players, letting Hernandez go could be a reasonable move.
