Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández provided an answer to whether or not he will sign back with the team with spring training looming.
A fan asked Hernandez if he would be returning to the Dodgers, and he gave the most Kiké answer.
The 34-year-old was caught on video, shrugging to the question he was asked.
Although a deal has yet to materialize, the expectation is that Hernandez will re-sign with the Dodgers for the 2026 season.
The three-time World Series champion is currently recovering from his successful offseason left elbow surgery. He underwent surgery in November 2025 to repair a completely torn extensor tendon.
Hernandez played through pain throughout the postseason, but it will cost him the start of the season. His expected timeline back to the diamond is sometime in May.
“I played [until], basically, I felt like I couldn’t even hold the bat anymore,” Hernández said. “And I mean, it was kind of dumb on my end. But I’ve always felt that if I feel like I could play, I’m not going to go on the IL. By the time we went in for the MRI, it was a little too late.”
Oct 11, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Enrique Hernandez against the Arizona Diamondbacks during game three of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsDo the Dodgers Need Kiké Hernandez?
The Puerto Rican native will not only miss the start of the MLB season but also the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Hernandez was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to the surgery and his recovery timeline.
The 12-year MLB veteran did what he could for a stacked Dodgers team in the postseason. In 17 games, Hernandez slashed .250/.290/.359 with a .649 OPS, the second lowest of his career. On top of that, the right-handed hitter tallied 16 hits, nine runs, and seven RBIs in 64 at-bats.
Although Hernandez is not coming off an elite postseason we’ve become accustomed to, he still had his moments. The Dodgers could still benefit from a player like Hernandez, who has proven to be a great glue guy, clubhouse presence, and versatile player.
Only time will tell if the Dodgers and Hernandez get a deal done soon.
LA Baseball Report
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