Dodgers Open to Reunion with Enrique Kiké Hernández

The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again turning to a trusted postseason performer. They’re exploring a reunion with veteran utilityman Kiké Hernández.

Hernández just had elbow surgery and struggled at the plate last year. Still, his defensive versatility, clubhouse energy, and October track record make him a tempting fit for a reshaped Dodgers roster in 2026.

Dodgers Prioritize Familiar Faces and Defensive Flexibility

The Dodgers already made their preference for continuity clear by re-signing infielder Miguel Rojas earlier this offseason. Now, they’re considering bringing back Kiké Hernández, whose name feels almost inseparable from the Dodgers’ decade-long run of success.

Hernández’s Deep Roots in Los Angeles

Hernández, now 34, has spent nine of his 12 MLB seasons in Dodger blue. He’s built a reputation as one of baseball’s top utility guys.

He returned last offseason on a one-year, $6.5 million deal and delivered his trademark versatility, even though his bat didn’t quite show up the way fans hoped.

The offensive numbers in 2025 weren’t pretty—just .203 over 93 games. But context matters here.

Hernández played much of the year with an elbow injury on his non-throwing arm. That nagging issue sapped his swing and cost him most of July and August.

Elbow Surgery, Offensive Struggles, and a Postseason Rebound

The Dodgers knew Hernández wasn’t at full strength, and team doctors confirmed it. His offseason elbow surgery aims to restore comfort and mobility at the plate, with hopes he’ll bounce back closer to his career norms in 2026.

From Injured List to October Impact

Despite his regular-season struggles, the Dodgers trusted Hernández in October. He started every playoff game and hit .250 in the postseason.

His strikeouts went up, sure, but he delivered when it mattered. That’s kind of his thing.

In the World Series, Hernández stepped up twice:

How Kiké Fits the 2026 Dodgers Roster

This isn’t just a nostalgia play. The current Dodgers roster actually makes a Hernández reunion logical, especially as they work in younger players.

Support for Edman, Kim, Freeland, and Muncy

Los Angeles looks ready to lean on Tommy Edman in center field and a mix of Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland at second base. Both Kim and Freeland have limited MLB experience, and that’s where Hernández’s versatility becomes so valuable.

He could serve as a part-time support option, moving around the diamond as needed. Possible roles include:

His ability to move between infield and outfield gives the Dodgers something every contender wants: a true defensive Swiss Army knife who can settle multiple spots without missing a beat.

Payroll, Luxury Tax, and the Business Side

Financially, bringing Hernández back fits the Dodgers’ current plan. Their projected payroll for next season sits around $337 million, down from nearly $400 million last year.

Value Signing Under the Tax Constraints

Hernández just came off surgery and hit a rough patch offensively. He probably won’t land a huge contract this offseason.

A short-term, incentive-heavy deal seems right for both him and the Dodgers. That kind of contract would offer:

Teams living in the luxury-tax era have to find value wherever they can, and Hernández really checks that box for LA. The Dodgers know him, know what he brings, and honestly, that counts for something.

 
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