The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a quiet offseason so far, a stark contrast from their previous two winters where LA’s front office has repeatedly made big signings.
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The Dodgers’ only signing of the offseason thus far has been veteran infielder Miguel Rojas on a one-year, $5.5 million deal. His return signaled the Dodgers are attempting to keep their championship core intact as Rojas isn’t an everyday player, but a key clubhouse guy for LA.
Rojas became a World Series hero in Games 6 and 7 in Toronto, hitting the most important home run of his career to tie the Fall Classic finale in the bottom of the ninth. The 36-year-old’s return is important for another fan favorite free agent: Kiké Hernandez.
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain explained why Hernandez re-signing with the Dodgers this winter is practically a guarantee.
“The writing is on the wall now, all signs point to Kiké Hernandez being back with the Dodgers after that Miguel Rojas signing,” McKain said. “I’m very confident that’s going to happen. You just have to wait towards spring training when that 60-day IL opens up and he can sign, go on it, and then he can rehab. And hopefully, he’s back in a couple of months. Hopefully, he’s ready to go in the postseason.”
Hernandez underwent surgery on his left elbow this offseason, and is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. However, the utility man has earned a reputation for shining when the lights are brightest in October and that is when the Dodgers will need Hernandez most.
McKain added that the Dodgers are looking to get younger on their bench, and the defending champions could very well reinforce their roster depth at the Winter Meetings in Orlando this week.
“They do want to infuse that bench with some youth, so they’re not looking to necessarily do it at these major positions, but the Dodgers have shown and made it known that they are trying to get a little younger on the bench,” McKain added.
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