Dodgers Writer Identifies Best Fits for Kiké Hernández in Free Agency Outside of LA
What a long, strange journey it’s been for Enrique Hernandez and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The long-time fan favorite came up with some huge hits for LA this past postseason en route to the club’s first championship in more than three decades.
Now, he’s one of seven key free agents the Dodgers have to think long and hard about bringing back for 2021 and potentially beyond. Unfortunately for Kiké, this could be the end of the road in blue.
So if not the Dodgers, then who?
LA Times beat writer Jorge Castillo shared his thoughts recently on the subject.
BEST OTHER FITS: Athletics, Rangers, Indians
Hernandez is coming off a season where he earned a prorated $5.9 million salary as a utility man for the Dodgers. Teams like Oakland, Texas, and Cleveland are notoriously tight with their budgets, so perhaps the connection for Kiké might not quite be there.
Earlier in the offseason, there was seemingly an easy fit with Hernandez and the Anaheim Angels. They lost long-time shortstop Andrelton Simmons to free agency and needed help up the middle. However, since then, the Halos picked up journeyman infielder Jose Iglesias, potentially taking a prime destination away from Kiké.
Notably, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Freidman recently said that he encouraged each of LA’s free agents to test the market. A statement like that possibly leaves a window open for someone like Hernandez. However, it would most likely come with a pay cut and continued uncertain playing time. Even still, as Jorge Castillo notes, the Dodgers have utility player Zach McKinstry waiting in the wings, likely spelling that “Hernández’s time as a Dodger might be over.”
There’s a lot of offseason still to go.
NEXT: Where the Dodgers’ 7 Free Agents Could End Up and Who to Expect Back With the Club in 2021
Another misleading article…geez….
Where you think Kiki is going is not anywhere answered….
It’s kind of like somebody wrote the headline. Somebody else, they never met or talked to, wrote the story. And a third person slapped them together and said go with it.
I genuinely hope that Kike stays put. I think that Kike’s defensive contribution and postseason performances are sometimes overlooked. His defensive versatility is as good as anyone’s, especially playing in an utility role. (I know that his offensive game can vacillate considerably but he does seem to manage home runs and hits at crucial points.) Moreover, this guy plays with overt love for the game and love for his team. I would hate to see Kike go, but I understand that baseball is a business…
Well said, Barb! I agree on all points. Kike has been a great member of the team and is valuable presence in many ways. I hope that he and Justin Turner both stay, but it seems unlikely that they both do. )
How were you able to put his name without the moderation system thinking you’re anti Semitic?
Kike should stay. He is a huge part of the Dodgers. His great attitude keeps the atmosphere light. He is THE most versatile player they have. Has this new guy pitched before in a pinch?? I doubt it. I mean….C’mon..his strength!! He knocked Joc’s shoulder out of place giving him a high five!! They need to keep him…..PLEASE. He is my favorite!! I have his T-shirt!!! He is a Dodger!!!!
Uhhh. That was Bellinger, not Joc.
I am not in favor of replacing Kike, a RHB with yet another LHB, such as McKinsey. JT is also another RHB and Dodgers don’t need to become all left handed in the batters box again.
Kiki is overrated. How many times did he flub the turn at second ball through his legs etc, yet he’s this so called defensive player. A home run now and then is his claim to fame. 230 hitters need to make way for real talent like McKinstry and others. Enough of Kiki give me Lux and let him have all the breaks Kiki has had.
Breaks? He didn’t get any breaks! Once he slumped he platooned unlike muncy and bellinger all 2020 season.192 hitter starting every single day. Yeah I’d like to see kike in a dodgers uniform but not being platooned so he deserves to be on another team as a starter. Flub the ball thru his legs at 2nd? And muncy didn’t? And betts at 2nd? What a joke that was!!
The headline isn’t even close to the story! What a waste of time reading this garbage ! Kike wants to play every day, if he can’t find a team to sign him to play every day, and there is going to have to take a pay cut. Take a pay cut and stay and play for the world champions! Dodgers resign Mr. Utility!