Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Opens Up on Frustration With Free Agency, Reveals Computer Evaluation Program Teams Use

When Kiké Hernández was in the middle of his free agency this offseason, he noticed some similarities with teams and their timing in offering him contracts. He didn’t want to call it “collusion,” but expressed frustration with the process, and how teams are valuing players.

Hernández spoke about a computer program that teams use to project player production and come up with salaries for them, and talked in depth about his free agency on the Foul Territory Show.

“I’m not going to say the C-word but I think it needs to be said with a capital C. The timing of the calls were very similar. The numbers were pretty much the same throughout. I think the Dodgers were the highest ones. The way that they talked to me throughout the free agency process was ‘We have these computer programs that can project what this guy is going to do next year but the problem with these programs is that they don’t take injuries or things like this into consideration.’ They just think that I was healthy and that’s what I can do.”

Kiké Hernández via Foul Territory

Hernández kept his injury a secret last season but he underwent double sports hernia surgery on Oct. 24 which attributed to his down year both offensively and defensively.

“What I did last year and obviously not just offensively but my defensive numbers went down and that’s something that’s always been there. The bat comes and goes because it’s baseball. Hitting is the hardest thing to do but I’ve never struggled defensively and I felt like I struggled defensively all year long and those are things that the computer can’t tell you that are going on.”

Kiké Hernández via Foul Territory

The Dodgers signed Hernández to a one-year deal on Monday worth $4 million. According to the super-utility man, that was the highest offer he got. He felt like the Dodgers knew what they were getting out of him and they were aware of his injury. They didn’t completely depend on a computer.

He also claimed that this computer program is affecting a lot of players who are still on the market.

“Calls were around the same time, silence was around the same time, numbers were pretty much the same. I don’t know, I think these teams using the computer program to project salaries and to project numbers are all using the same one and I think they all have the same password. 

“It’s not just me. A lot of guys that were out there in free agency and are still out there are saying the same thing.”

Kiké Hernández via Foul Territory

Hernández admitted that this offseason was very different than 2020. He felt like this year was when he had to stand his ground and not give in to owners wanting to sign him for less than his worth.

Ultimately, it worked out for the best. He ended up back at home with the Dodgers and is extremely happy that his time as a free agent is over.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports