Dodgers’ Signings Have Pushed Kiké Hernandez Out of LA, Says ESPN Insider
The open door for Kiké Hernández returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers appears to be closing.
Instead of re-signing Hernández, the Dodgers have opted to add other utility players, as the addition of Korean free agent Hyeseong Kim has almost pushed the fan favorite out of town, according to ESPN baseball insider David Schoenfield.
“Hernandez had some nice moments for the Dodgers in the postseason, but his OPS+ over the past three seasons is just 78, and their signing of Hyeseong Kim pushes him out of L.A,” Schoenfield wrote.
Hernández played in 126 games for the Dodgers in 2024, covering every position except right field and catcher. He even took the mound for 4.1 innings.
His regular season stats are nothing to brag about but his postseason performance has been legendary. While Hernández would love to keep playing in October with the Dodgers, his regular season play doesn’t exactly warrant a return.
Dodgers insider Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, in an appearance on Dodgers Territory, said he isn’t hearing much from the team regarding Hernández.
“I’m not hearing much from the Dodgers at all,” Plunkett said. “Take that to mean whatever you want. I don’t see a need. The roster is pretty full. I don’t know who you would bounce off to make room.”
More news: After Winning World Series, Dodgers Have Best Prospect in MLB, and 6 in Top 100
The new developments are a far cry from what ESPN’s Buster Olney told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain.
“The season is so long,” Olney told McKain. “I think that if you’re a fan and you look at the players and you tune into one game and you imagine them having the same intensity that you did when you played little league, it’s not that way.”
Hernández has a unique role with the Dodgers, filling in across the diamond but not starting every day. His value, however, goes beyond his on-field versatility. He brings an unmatched energy to the clubhouse, providing a crucial spark through the ups and downs of the season.
“This is their daily job and they go through ups and downs like the rest of us do where some days you’re really into it and some days you’re not really into it,” Olney said.
While Hernández is eager to continue playing in Los Angeles, his future remains unclear as the Dodgers finalize their roster ahead of spring training.
More news: Former Dodgers All-Star Max Scherzer Signing With Blue Jays
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!
Don’t be surprised if the Dodgers find a way to get him on the team.
Remember, it’s not the regular season that the Dodgers are concerned about.
Like was mentioned, the guy brings and unmatched energy. That goes beyond the stats. And the Dodgers brass has proven they look beyond the stats. They look at the individuals. Not pursuing Soto I think proves that.
Bring him back, drop a different player. All the pieces are needed to win it all, and Kike is one of them.
They need to unload Taylor and re-sign Kike. Send Taylor and $12M somewhere and sign Kike for $5M. Taylor is owed $17M so the money would be a wash.