Dodgers: Kiké Hernandez Could Be Drawing Near a Decision Following the LeMahieu Signing
The Dodgers are likely just a few short weeks away from losing Kiké Hernandez to another team. The super-utility free agent has been rumored in conversations with several teams around the league, most notably the Boston Red Sox.
Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo believes that Hernandez is still on the Red Sox radar and that he is closing in on a decision. Cotillo notes that the contract signed by DJ LeMahieu with the Yankees will likely lead to the infield market moving a little faster as we approach Spring Training. That would include the Dodgers probably letting Hernandez sign somewhere else.
The connection to the Red Sox makes sense for a lot of reasons, mostly that they need a lot of help all over the field. But Hernandez also has a connection to manager Alex Cora, as he was the GM for the 2017 Puerto Rican team in the WBC. Hernandez is originally from Puerto Rico and played on that team in 2017 while with the Dodgers.
Related: Dodgers in on Free Agent RHP Jeremy Jeffress
If Hernandez is close to signing a deal, the likelihood that it would be with the Dodgers seems minimal. Kiké has already said that he would like to sign with a team that can provide him 500 at-bats per season, so he wants to start every day. Los Angeles isn’t really in a position where they can offer him that going into 2021.
If this is indeed the last of Kiké Hernandez playing with the Dodgers, what a way to go out.
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Dodgers Still Considering Marcus Semien if Justin Turner Departs Via Free Agency, per Reports
Can’t believe mgmt is too dumb to see that Kike is an all star 2nd baseman if he plays everyday meaning he’ll run into bad hitting streak but will get out of it by playing and finish with 270 average 33 hrs 100 rbis gold glove at second.
If Kike was capable of putting up those kind of numbers, there would be way more interest in him throughout the league, and he would be signing for more than what Lemahieu just got. Good guy, useful player, but not a 30 homer 100 rbi player.
It was his to lose in 2019 (maybe it was 2018) and that’s what he did. He’s had every chance to win a staring job but his average won’t hold it. He is as versatile as there is but he’s a .240 career hitter and only 2 years above .240 He(and we) needs to understand that.
I’m puzzled why Muncy didn’t lose his 1B position with .191 average in 2020 and Kike loses it 2019 and 2020.
Are you joking? If he played a full season he would get twice as many at bats against right handers which would sink his average even more. He has had at least two chances with the Dodgers, and he lost the job both times because he couldn’t hit breaking balls from right handers
I would much rather have Kiké on the Dodgers than Marcus Semien on the team.
I agree but who knows if they are serious about Semien? Writers keep writing these stories with a greater element of urgency, But here is the question. Kike may well be offered more money by Boston or another team, because they need him more. Kike has a ring now and maybe is ready to play for the money but how can he want a team where he can play every day when his average doesn’t merit it? Unless who they have is worse.
There’s 3-4 young lefty pitching prospects I wouldn’t mind trading Lux and one of the C prospects for. We have one lefty, drafted in 2020, in the top-30 with Kershaw nearing the end of his HOF career, and a whole bunch of righties. With Kershaw likely to sign a 2-year deal after 2021, that would give the new lefty time to prepare for the majors. SD has the top prospect, KC has two, and the A’s have another.
With Kike at 2B permanently, and a big-time lefty prospect, I’d be happy…
Roberts, or whoever makes the call, doesn’t seem to agree. Taylor played 2nd in the post season. Hernandez seems to have as many clutch hit’s as anyone on the team but a .230 average doesn’t guarantee a starting job. However he had the 8th most ABs on the team as it was (6th in 2018 and 2019). Maybe the Dodgers are wanting to move on but unless the money in Boston is hugely better, I’d rather play in LA. No, my opinion has not been asked for.
Urias LHP and don’t forget Price.
Yes I agree Kike makes a great second baseman!!!I really hope he stays in LA
Keep like in our DODGER line up, he’s faster than Lemahur and semien, willing to bet
Kike is one of the best defensive players in the league, always gives everything he has. He has pulled the Dodgers through many times with his batting, and could become more important if he had many more at bats! He brings a lot to the club with his personality! So hope he and JT can stay in LA
Kike is a really puzzling hitter. He hits for a low average and can shock you with a clutch hit when you least expect it. I run hot and cold over him. Pedersen is almost a left handed version of Kike, without the versatility.
Kike brings so much more to the LA Dodgers then you can imagine , great character and chemistry guy not only with his team but to the fans. He is an outstanding defensive ball player outfield , shortstop and second base. The issue now s Kike has a ring and wants his pay day. If the Dodgers can figure out a way to keep him by all means they should. I am not sold on Lux yet and if he doesn’t come through use him as trade bait in July for the RT. Handed power bat. They need for Price to have a stellar year and if Trevor Bauer stays in So Cal and signs the Dodgers will win the division by 7-10 games this year 103-59 record and win it all BACK TO BACK CHAMPS !
Some might consider this sacrilege, but I would rather keep Kike than Turner. With their hitters, they can afford one slot that has trouble with righties, especially with his defensive skills. He might get better with righties with more at bats and the security of an everyday job.
Will we get a draft pick if he signs with a team? If not who cares?
People seem to forget that he has had his chances to be the permanent 2nd baseman but didn’t make the grade. Not a big fan of Roberts but don’t you think if Kike was the best option at 2nd he would use him there. Career 230 hitter ala Pederson and we are better off without them. We have plenty of propects in the minors to take their places.
If Hernandez indeed signs elsewhere then Dodgers at least must replace him with another serviceable RHB. Same situation then as far as Turner is concerned.
Holy Batshit Dodgers management, sign the two men Turner and Hernandez. Pay them what they want. They both are integral parts of the WS team for Jiminy Crickets. It’s noit like you haven’t overpaid for a few flop pitchers in the past. These are proven players for Crying Out Loud!