Home Baseball Dodgers Free Agent news: There’s a Lot of Interest in Kiké Hernández

Dodgers Free Agent news: There’s a Lot of Interest in Kiké Hernández

Baseball — 12/14/2023

After a strong second half of the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kiké Hernández is available to sign free agents for the second time in his career.

After being traded by the Boston Red Sox at the deadline, Hernández returned to Los Angeles and batted.262/.308/.423 with 12 doubles, five home runs, and 30 RBI.

This past season, the utility man played seven different positions, demonstrating his usual versatility. Hernández spent the majority of his career in center field but saw a lot of action at second base.

Several playoff-caliber teams are interested in Hernández as a center fielder, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com:

According to a source, Kiké Hernandez is being considered by several playoff-caliber teams as one of the better defensive options available for center field.

Hernández started at center field for the Red Sox as late as the 2022 season, but he only played 25 games in that position this year. Teams recognize his value on the field, even though it is unlikely that he will be given another starting opportunity.

It also symbolizes the idea that teams should focus on second-tier free agents or make trades to strengthen their roster and satisfy their needs because there aren’t many impact players available on the free agency market.

Hernández stated he would be willing to sign with the Dodgers again, and a reunion would seem likely. Because of his versatility, clubhouse presence, and success against left-handed pitching, he is a strong contender to return when the team looks to bolster their bench.

After undergoing double hernia surgery in October, the 32-year-old is expected to fully recover in time for spring training.

MLB free agency is difficult, as Kiké Hernández explains.Hernández and other similar free agents had drawn a lot of interest but had essentially been left unsigned while Shohei Ohtani chose which team to sign with.

The veteran of ten MLB seasons clarified that this is one of the difficulties of being a mid-tier free agent in a market where superstar players are also available.