Dodgers News: Kiké Hernández Put In Good Word for Dodgers in Edwin Díaz Negotiations
The Dodgers had a helping hand in their pursuit of Edwin Díaz
LOS ANGELES, CA—The period before the Winter Meetings was a quiet offseason for the reigning back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers, a situation many MLB insiders predicted this offseason.
However, as the Winter Meetings heated up, the Dodgers stunned the baseball world once more by signing All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to a 3-year, $69 million contract.
It marked a significant addition for the back-to-back World Series champions, achieved on surprisingly team-friendly terms. When Díaz opted out of his contract with the New York Mets, it was widely expected that he would sign a new deal for at least four years.
While the Dodgers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Brandon Gomes, remains optimistic about their pursuit of Díaz, they received assistance from a familiar source: fan-favorite utilityman Kiké Hernández.
The Dodgers’ new closer confirmed that he spoke with Hernández during free agent negotiations. He also emphasized that he spoke positively about the organization’s efforts to support families, as he was already familiar with the team culture they have established.
During an appearance with David Vassegh at the Polo Ralph Lauren store in Commerce, California, Hernández shared the message and assurances he conveyed to Díaz about the Dodgers organization, as reported by AM 570 L.A. Sports.
“I played a little bit of a part. I called Andrew and let him know that the interest was legit, that the Dodgers were not just leverage, that we had a real opportunity of going after this guy and getting this guy. In my mind, the best closer in baseball right now.
Díaz prioritized his family, seeking an inclusive environment for himself, his wife, and his three sons, especially during the lengthy 162-game summer baseball season.
“Once I knew that negotiations were getting real, I reached out to ‘Sugar’ and let him know, ‘At the end of the day you’ve got to do what’s best for you and your family, but the one thing I can assure you is that if you end up with the Dodgers, you’re not going to regret it one bit. You’re going to be just fine, your wife and kids are going to be just fine.’ I told him the worst thing about the Dodgers organization is they’re so far away from Puerto Rico, and if that’s the only thing that’s bad about an organization, you know you’re in pretty good hands.
“I just let him know, ‘Anything you need, your wife can reach out to my wife, ask any questions she needs to ask, if you have any doubt, it doesn’t really matter. It doesn’t have to be baseball. It can be apartments, whatever it is, just reach out.’ Next time I heard from him was after I congratulated him for signing.”
Hernández speaking favorably about the team, despite being a free agent, isn’t surprising given his positive relationship with the organization and his interest in returning for the 2026 season.
It remains unclear when the Dodgers will reintroduce Hernández, as he underwent an elbow procedure that will keep him out until the start of the season. However, reports indicate that both sides are mutually interested in a reunion.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
