Dodgers: Kiké Hernandez Stirs The Pot Online with New Photo, Reportedly Seeking Short Deal
Dodgers fans got a reality check on Tuesday when free agent utility man Kiké Hernandez posted a new photo on his social media accounts. Here’s the offending image.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/SkwLxA6ag4
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) December 9, 2020
The reality check being Hernandez is, in fact, a free agent. And that’s something that’s sort of new to Dodgers fans over the last half-decade or so. Since 2015, the core of Dodger players has for the greater part stayed together. Certainly, some have come and gone along the way, but look at players like Kiké, Justin Turner, or Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager among others, and there hasn’t been that radical shake-up that most other teams experience.
So here now is Enrique Hernandez, free agent baseball player looking for a job in a depressed market for free agents. Consider this a marketing campaign for the 29-year-old who, according to veteran baseball scribe Peter Gammons, is looking for a 1-year deal to build his stock.
Matchmaking:Twins need multi-position regular, premier defender who hits lefthanded pitching. Kike Hernandez. Wants 1 yr. deal, 500 PA, is elite defender, kills LHP, in '19 hit .304 third time around against starting pitching.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 5, 2020
Notably, Hernandez has been recently linked to the Minnesota Twins in hot stove rumors. Now, heading into day 3 of the virtual winter meetings, perhaps this simple image helps shake up his market heading into the new year.
Reactions
Understandably, having been a Dodger for the last 6 seasons, Kiké has made a lasting impression on the fan base. With that, many fans took to the comments to share their hurt.
Forever a Dodger to us, Kike. pic.twitter.com/TQiwBYlan2
— Natasha (@nataintransit) December 9, 2020
Kikè pls ?
— Sue Jo (@suejo825) December 9, 2020
Seriously, you are one of my three favorite Dodgers of all time. I will be super sad if they don’t resign you. In terms of middle infielders who are clutch af in the playoffs, they can’t look any further than you. I’m shocked they didn’t offer you a fat contract.
— Jay Stone #WearYourMask (@JayStone1088) December 9, 2020
Noooooooo!!!!! You gotta stay in LA! ????
— Amie Cuevas (@amie_cuevas_) December 9, 2020
Whatever you choose is cool @kikehndez . Thanks for all you did. I hope you get a solid payday for you and your family.
— raul sanchez (@raulnsocal) December 9, 2020
If this was the end of the line for the banana man in blue, he went out on top for sure.
Whatever happens, thank you for everything you did for the Dodger fan base over the years, Enrique.
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Friedman, re-sign KIKE we need him, think, he plays any position
Kike helped take the Dodgers to a WS title. He deserves to go somewhere he gets more playing time and more money.
kika should stay in la,w/ a 2yr contract for 8 mil.
I would rather not see Kike go. He is one of those players who has contributed much more to the Dodgers than his athletic skills. His presence would be missed. It is obvious how much he loves the Dodgers and the game. With this being said, I believe that Kike deserves to be some place where he will have more playing time and compensation. But if he truly wants to remain a Dodgers player…he will settle for something short term and for less than he could get elsewhere.
I would be very bummed if the Dodgers do not sign Kike and J.T…. for that matter. Kike and J.T. are the heart and soul of the team, and as stated, certainly fan favorites. Good financial judgement and payroll ” be darned.” I think that they both have an “everyman” quality that makes them easily relatable to fans who work everyday to make ends meet. And they are “clutch” once in a lifetime players. JM
One of my favorite players! With his overall versatility at any position in the infield or outfield, he deserves to be on the team. Unfortunately, with all his athleticism and overall talent, he is not the hitter I might have expected. Perhaps it’s not playing everyday, so he deserves a nice contract in a place where he might show his elite skills in the $8M range. Otherwise, $6M is enough for a utility player.
Why should he settle for a dime less than he’s worth? The Dodgers have used (maybe abused) Kike’s versatility for several years now. While that may have been beneficial for the team, his sheer athleticism has earned him a regular starting spot on a big league club. I’ve always thought, with regular at bats, not worrying about whether a few bad nights will cost him his starting job, he could develop into the elite player offensively, vs right or left handed pitching, as he already is defensively. Give him 2nd base & package Lux for some pitching.
Doyers still cross over Kike separating Bell[e’s shoulder.
Why would Dodgers let Keke leave? His contribution to Dodgers Team got us to the World Series Win.