Kiké Hernández Had Deal With Dodgers Last Month, But LA’s Trade Fell Through

The Los Angeles Dodgers brought back Kiké Hernández on a one-year, $4 million deal earlier this week. The Dodgers were able to get the deal done after trading away Manuel Margot, which freed up a spot for Hernández. The signing came just after Hernández had reportedly narrowed his teams down to the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants. Hernández also chose the Dodgers over joining the New York Yankees.

However, Hernández almost returned to the Dodgers much sooner. Per Hernández, the Dodgers were ready to bring him back around a month ago, but the Dodgers were unable to trade Margot.

Hernández detailed his return to the Dodgers during an interview with Scott Braun, A.J. Pierzynski, Erik Kratz and Ken Rosenthal on Foul Territory.

“I thought I had a deal done in place with them about a month ago. Obviously they needed to move (Manuel) Margot in order for me to sign. I guess there was a trade in place and it felt apart overnight. I went to bed thinking we had a deal and I woke up being unemployed again. It just kind of dragged out and at the end, I called Andrew (Friedman) last week and I was like, ‘Hey Andrew, I’ve been waiting, I’ve been waiting, but I can only wait for so long. Game’s already and I’m starting to really get antsy. And I was like, if we can’t get it done this weekend then I’m gonna have to move on and go somewhere. Because I keep waiting and opportunities are starting to go away because I’m waiting.’ And at the end, they were down to their last day and he made it happen.”

— Kiké Hernández, via Foul Territory.

It took longer than anticipated, but the important thing is Hernández is back with the team. The Dodgers fan-favorite is now getting ready to return to the field for the Dodgers, which he will do when he makes his 2024 Cactus League debut, likely on Friday.

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