The Dodgers’ roster is packed with top talent, but there’s one important player missing that both fans and players want to see return.
Kiké Hernández is still a free agent, and at DodgerFest this past weekend, fans made it clear they want him back. While GM Brandon Gomes was speaking, fans began chanting, “Kiké! Kiké! Kiké!”.
Gomes tried to reassure fans that the Dodgers would “never close the door” on Hernández, who has said his main goal is to return to the team in 2025. However, this interest seemed a bit one-sided until Gomes clarified things, especially since the Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim, who is expected to fill the utility role that Hernández has played for most of his eight seasons in LA.
Even though Hernández is still a free agent, it makes sense that other teams would be interested in his versatility. According to Mark W. Sanchez from the New York Post, the Yankees have shown interest in both Hernández and fellow free agent Yoán Moncada.
Sanchez wrote that the Yankees have “inquired on Hernández” but also mentioned that it’s most likely he will return to LA. This delay isn’t unusual; last year, Hernández didn’t re-sign until February 26, after the Dodgers were able to move some players to the 60-day IL, avoiding a complicated roster situation that could have required them to DFA someone from the 40-man roster.
It’s likely that a similar situation will happen this year. Teams can start moving players to the IL at the beginning of spring training, and while a late signing isn’t ideal for Hernández, it seems he would accept any offer the Dodgers make, no matter when it happens.
Last offseason, the Yankees, Tigers, Angels, and Giants were also interested in Hernández. Hernández even said his decision came down to the Yankees and Dodgers before he ultimately returned to LA, partly because of family reasons and the Dodgers’ guarantee that he would start against left-handed pitchers. This could happen again this season, with Kim likely to be on the bench against lefties.
It’s no surprise that other teams have shown interest in Hernández, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he re-signs with the Dodgers.
