By Ulku Simsek, Jerry Reynoso, Ash Hallas
February 26, 2024
Dodger fan-favorite, Kike Hernandez, is back in Los Angeles as the Dodgers have agreed to re-sign the former World Series champion to a one-year, $4 million contract.
The news, announced on Monday by Hernandez himself, comes after the Dodgers traded outfielder, Manuel Margot, to the Minnesota Twins for a pair of prospects, freeing enough space to bring Hernandez onto the Dodgers roster.
Most notable for his first stint with the Dodgers from 2015-2020, Kike Hernandez was able to win the hearts of Dodgers fans everywhere due to his charismatic play style, and after winning the World Series in 2020, the organization decided to trade away Kike to the Boston Red Sox, breaking many fans’ hearts.
Hernandez spent two years with the Red Sox, right before Boston decided to trade him back home to Los Angeles before last year’s trade deadline.
Finishing the 2023 season with a batting average of .262, 30 RBIs and 0 home runs, the Dodgers decided to turn the focus towards the chase for Japanese superstar, Shohei Ohtani, raising questions about Kike’s future in Los Angeles.
After many offseason moves later, everyone in the Dodgers clubhouse is very excited to know that Hernandez is staying in Dodger blue, especially Dodgers’ Manager, Dave Roberts.
“He’s one of the Dodger fan favorites and his track record speaks for itself as far as when the lights are brightest, that’s when Kiké shows up the most. So I couldn’t be more excited to have him.”
As a utility player, Hernandez is able to play pretty much anywhere on the field, but with Manuel Margot headed to Minnesota, he has the chance to get most of his opportunities from the outfield.
Hernandez is a decent batter when he faces left-handed pitchers, so he’ll most likely join the hitting group of Dodgers Outfielder, James Outman, and Dodgers Infielder, Gavin Lux.
Coming off a double Hernia surgery, Kike Hernandez will most likely miss some time during spring training, but the team is very optimistic that he will be ready by Opening Day in April.
