Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had a very eventful offseason with the additions of Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, but there is one obvious move left that has yet to be made.
Kiké Hernández has signed back-to-back one-year contracts since being traded back to the Dodgers during the 2023 season and has been an important contributor to two World Series titles.
He remains unsigned thus far, likely due to left elbow surgery performed in the offseason, but it is believed that he and the Dodgers will eventually come to an agreement on a new deal.
Miguel Rojas has kept in touch with Hernández throughout the offseason and believes bringing him back into the fold is a matter of when, not if.
“I’m in constant communication with Kiké,” Rojas said. “I feel like in my mind, I have no doubt that he’s going to be back. But it definitely has something to do with his injury and the stuff he’s going through right now. He’s not going to be ready until maybe a couple of months into the season.”
Although it often isn’t tangible, Rojas knows the impact Hernández provides the team couldn’t be easily replaced.
“But I’m crossing my fingers and keeping the hope we’re going to have Kiké. We all know how important he is for the clubhouse, for the organization, for the fans, for the city of L.A.,” he said. “He deserves to be here. Michael Jordan couldn’t do it without Scottie Pippen and the other guys on that team.
“I feel Kiké is one of those guys who is probably not Michael Jordan, but is really important. He’s not Shohei Ohtani, he’s not Freddie Freeman, but we’re all part of this, and we’ve all been a part of this for the last couple of years. I would like to have Kiké on my side, and I know everybody in this clubhouse would like to have him for next year.”
At any point over the last couple of seasons, Hernández likely could’ve signed elsewhere with more job security than a string of one-year contracts. But the past two seasons have been mutually beneficial for himself and the Dodgers.
The organization retains an important player without a large commitment, while Hernández can compete for a World Series championship year in and year out.
Dave Roberts believes Miguel Rojas & Kiké Hernández have potential as managers
Dave Roberts has coached numerous players during his 10 seasons with the organization, but he believes Rojas and Hernández have the potential to be managers in the future.
Both Rojas and Hernández have carved out lengthy careers for themselves in the Majors as role players, which has contributed greatly to the growth of their skillset and knowledge of the game.