Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged from what had been a relatively quiet offseason to reach an agreement with Edwin Díaz during the Winter Meetings and officially sign him days later to a three-year, $69 million contract.
It represented a significant addition for the back-to-back World Series champions on surprisingly team-friendly terms. Upon Díaz opting out of his contract with the New York Mets, the expectation held he would sign a new deal for at least four years.
The Dodgers remained opportunistic under president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes, but also received some assistance from Kiké Hernández despite his status as a free agent. Díaz revealed during his introductory press conference that he spoke with Hernández prior to signing with the Dodgers.
During an appearance with David Vassegh at the Polo Ralph Lauren store in Commerce, Calif., Hernández revealed what message and assurances he gave Díaz about the Dodgers organization, via AM 570 L.A. Sports
“I played a little bit of a part. I called Andrew and let him know that the interest was legit, that the Dodgers were not just leverage, that we had a real opportunity of going after this guy and getting this guy. In my mind, the best closer in baseball right now.
“Once I knew that negotiations were getting real, I reached out to ‘Sugar’ and let him know, ‘At the end of the day you’ve got to do what’s best for you and your family, but the one thing I can assure you is that if you end up with the Dodgers, you’re not going to regret it one bit. You’re going to be just fine, your wife and kids are going to be just fine.’ I told him the worst thing about the Dodgers organization is they’re so far away from Puerto Rico, and if that’s the only thing that’s bad about an organization, you know you’re in pretty good hands.
“I just let him know, ‘You come here, you’re going to have a chance to win year in and year out, and I think this is the peak of baseball.’ We play in the big leagues, and the way the Dodgers treat their people is the way it should be everywhere, but unfortunately it’s not. Lucky for us, we get to experience that for 162 games-plus.
“I just let him know, ‘Anything you need, your wife can reach out to my wife, ask any questions she needs to ask, if you have any doubt, it doesn’t really matter. It doesn’t have to be baseball. It can be apartments, whatever it is, just reach out.’ Next time I heard from him was after I congratulated him for signing.”
That Hernández would speak highly of the Dodgers even as a free agent is no surprise. He’s regularly praised the organization and fanbase, and last winter publicly clamored to be re-signed.
In addition to Hernández, the All-Star closer also spoke with his brother, Alexis, who spent a portion of the 2025 season with the Dodgers as well.
Are the Dodgers re-signing Kiké Hernández?
Similar to last offseason, there is a general perception that Hernández ultimately will re-sign with the Dodgers. He is currently recovering from left elbow surgery and won’t be ready for Opening Day of the 2026 season, which could lead to a slow-moving free agency process this time around.
Hernández has maintained his interest in remaining with the Dodgers, and it’s a sentiment Friedman expressed as well.
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