Utility man Kique Hernandez (33), who is strong enough to be known as the Dodgers’ “Autumn Man,” is likely to be in a position to look for a new team this winter.
The U.S. online media “Spotting News” mentioned Kike Hernandez in an article under the title of “a player who will not return to the Dodgers in the 2025 season” on the 6th (Korea Standard Time).
“Kike Hernandez is loved by Dodgers fans. In addition, he showed good performance in the postseason,” the media said. “However, his performance in this regular season is not enough to be with Dodgers next year.”
Hernandez, who signed a one-year contract with the Dodgers ahead of this season, played in a total of 126 games with a batting average of 0.229 with 12 homers and 42 RBIs. His OPS, which combined on-base plus slugging percentage, was also not good at 0.654.
At the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Diego Padres, however, he continued to display good performance with a batting average of 0.375 and a two-run OPS of 0.750, respectively. At the NLCS against the New York Mets, he performed better with a batting average of 0.333 and a home run, an RBI and an OPS of 1.000. At the World Series against the New York Yankees, Hernandez also contributed to the team’s victory with a batting average of 0.292 and a one-run, four-run OPS of 0.810.
“Hernandez’s performance in the postseason was good. However, his performance in the regular season was too poor for the Dodgers to give him a contract for the 2025 season,” the Dodgers said. “There is another utility man Chris Taylor (34), whose position exactly overlaps with Hernandez. In addition, the Dodgers plans to recruit Willy Adames (30), one of the biggest shortstop in the FA market, this winter to fill its vulnerable position. Therefore, there is no room for Hernandez to renew his contract,” the Dodgers said.
This is not the only one.
The Dodgers implemented the option of Miguel Rojas, a 35-year-old veteran who has shown good performance as a backup shortstop this season. Rojas will be wearing Dodgers uniform for one more year. His move dampened the question of whether Hernandez will be able to reunite with Dodgers.
Tommy Edman (29), a Korean-based utility man who was acquired from St. Louis in time for the trade deadline of the last Major League Baseball, will also be able to cover all positions in the center field as well as the outfield. As a result, the Dodgers already have three players, including Taylor, Rojas and Edman, in a position where Hernandez can stand. This is why the Dodgers don’t have to give Hernandez another contract.
Born in Puerto Rico, South American country, Hernandez is an 11-year veteran of the Major League this year. He spent his heyday with the Dodgers, went to Boston and returned to his old team last year. Considering his age and team situation, however, it seems they ended their relationship.
However, considering Hernandez’s ability to play multiple positions, good defense capability and double-digit home runs this season, he is certain to play in the 안전놀이터 Major League next year as well. Attention is focusing on which team Hernandez will move to this winter.
