Max Langer
It always felt inevitable that a reunion between Kiké Hernandez and the Dodgers would happen this off-season, and now, the fan favorite is back in Los Angeles for another season.
Hernandez himself was the first to announce the news, posting a video on his social media platforms indicating he was signing with the Dodgers. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez quickly followed, reporting that Hernandez, pending a physical, had agreed to a contract with the reigning World Series champions.
Hernandez’s exuberant personality, along with his consistent playoff success, makes him a key part of LA’s roster. However, barring substantial injuries, he probably won’t get regular playing time during the regular season. As a super-utility man, Hernandez will likely be used in a similar role to Chris Taylor, as a late-game pinch hitter with options to give the everyday players days off their feet.
Last October, Hernandez hit a massive home run off of San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish to give the Dodgers the lead in Game 5 of the National League Division Series before consistently starting in both the NLCS and World Series. Hernandez’s single to right-center field off of New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in Game 5 of the Fall Classic keyed the Dodgers’ five-run inning en route to their first full-season World Series title since 1988.
Although the 40-man roster is currently full, teams are allowed and able to transfer players to the 60-day injured list once pitchers and catchers report. The Dodgers will likely make the Hernandez signing official following Tuesday, February 11th, when the first pitchers’ and catchers’ workout is scheduled to take place at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.
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