Dodgers News: Kiké Hernández in No Rush to Re-Sign, But Expects it to Happen
Kiké Hernández hopes to return next season, but is in no rush to re-sign
LOS ANGELES, CA—Although the Los Angeles Dodgers and 29 other MLB teams still have many tasks to complete this offseason, the Dodgers are particularly focused on reuniting with fan-favorite veteran right-hander Kiké Hernández.
Hernández, 34, is one of several Dodgers players who will hit free agency at the end of the 2025 season, but many people within the organization, including Andrew Friedman, expect Hernández to return for the 2026 season.
Still, before the team can focus on re-signing Hernández, it has multiple roster areas to address, including the position-player side. Los Angeles currently has an opening for an everyday outfielder and several big-name free agents still on the market, such as Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker.
While the Dodgers checked the box on one area, a late-inning right-hander pitcher in their signing of All-Star closer Edwin Díaz, a signing that Hernández also laid a helping hand in, down the line, they’ll look to work things out with the October hero.
Hernández stated during a sit-down with David Vassegh at the Polo Ralph Lauren store in Commerce that he anticipates re-signing with the Dodgers, even if it takes several weeks, as reported by AM 570 L.A. Sports.
“Uh, I mean, yeah. But of course, I just had surgery, and I’m not going to be ready for Opening Day so there’s no rush. If it ends up working our way and we come back to L.A., all that matters is that I’m ready for the second half and ready to do my thing in October.”
The logical approach for the Dodgers and Hernández on a possible reunion would be for both sides to wait until the 60-day injured list reopens, as Kiké stated his 2026 season would be delayed by offseason left elbow surgery.
The lingering elbow injury likely contributed to his decline in performance, with the right-hander recording a .203/.255/366 line, including 8 doubles, 10 home runs, and 35 RBIs over 92 games. His productivity also dropped during the playoffs.
Despite that, the Dodgers like more of what Hernández has to offer than just the stats on the back of the baseball card, so a reunion is something to expect by the start of next spring, it’ll just take time.
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