Dodgers Re-Sign Kiké Hernández: Veteran Versatility Returns

This post takes a look at the Dodgers’ decision to bring Kiké Hernández back on a one-year, $4.5 million contract. It covers the roster move that made room for him and what this might mean for L.A.’s depth, lineup mix, and luxury-tax outlook as they chase another run at the top.

Dodgers Bring Back Kiké Hernández on a One-Year Deal

Hernández, 34, returns to a familiar environment after two and a half seasons away. The team announced the deal on social media, and the club later confirmed it.

This gives L.A. a veteran utility guy who can handle several spots and offer late-game defensive flexibility. His offense has dipped lately, but he’s still a respected defender with a knack for showing up in October.

Last year, Hernández hit .203/.255/.366 with 10 homers in 256 plate appearances. He also matched a career high with a 26.6% strikeout rate.

Since coming back to the Dodgers at the 2023 trade deadline, he’s put up a .228/.279/.382 line in just over 800 plate appearances. Against lefties, he’s hit .220/.278/.393.

Roster Flexibility and 40-Man Moves

To clear a 40-man roster spot, the Dodgers moved newly re-signed reliever Evan Phillips to the 60-day injured list. That freed up space for Hernández and kept the bullpen depth steady while Phillips recovers.

The Dodgers have a clear plan for Hernández: he’ll be a defensive-minded bench piece, able to spell Max Muncy at third against lefties and cover multiple outfield spots late in games. They see a lot of value in depth and versatility, especially in close games and tricky matchups.

Hernández’s Career Arc and On-Field Value

With Kyle Tucker locked in at right field and Teoscar Hernández in left, Kiké doesn’t have a guaranteed everyday spot. The Dodgers seem to value his clubhouse presence, defensive steadiness, and his ability to offer a switch-hitting option off the bench when needed.

Even after a rough offensive year, Hernández has a reputation for coming through in the postseason. He owns an .826 OPS over 103 October games, which probably explains why L.A. felt comfortable making him a bench cornerstone while the rest of the lineup shifts around him.

Defensive Versatility and Usage in 2024-25

His fit stands out most for late-game flexibility. The Dodgers can use him to counter left-handed relievers or fill in at several positions without losing much on defense.

Hernández’s glove and ability to move around the field still matter most. He can plug into different spots depending on the matchup, and that’s not something every bench guy can do.

The Bench Build: Likely Depth for 2025

The Dodgers seem to want a mix of veteran know-how and young upside behind their main stars. The likely bench includes Miguel Rojas and a backup catcher—probably Dalton Rushing—plus Hyeseong Kim and other infielders fighting for the last spots.

The front office will weigh flexibility, defense, and the occasional power spark as they piece together the final roster.

• Miguel Rojas
• Dalton Rushing (backup catcher)
• Hyeseong Kim
• Tommy Edman’s availability and other infield depth
• Additional bench options and defensive specialists

Projected Roles and Fit

Hernández looks like the main late-inning switch option. He can come in as a defender at third or in the outfield to help with late-game matchups.

He bridges the gap to younger infield and outfield prospects. That gives the manager and front office the freedom to juggle a deep bench through a long season, which, honestly, is never as easy as it sounds.

Payroll and Luxury Tax Implications

The signing brings a luxury-tax hit, with the Dodgers now looking at a 110% tax rate as third-time payors. When you add up salary and tax, this move tacks on about $9.45 million to the club’s total bill.

Los Angeles is clearly going after depth and versatility, even if it’s pricey. For a high-revenue team, it’s a calculated swing to squeeze out every bit of postseason potential, all while maneuvering around the luxury-tax maze.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers To Re-Sign Kiké Hernández