The Dodgers may be stacked with star power, but they know championships are built on more than just marquee names. While Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman headline the lineup, and the rotation boasts elite arms like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, it’s the glue guys like Kiké Hernández who keep the whole thing together. And once again, the Dodgers are betting on Hernández to do just that.
On Thursday, Los Angeles agreed to bring back the veteran utility man on a one-year, $4.5 million deal. It’s a familiar reunion for both sides - Hernández has worn Dodger blue through some of the franchise’s biggest moments in recent memory.
But fans hoping to see him back in action right away will have to wait. The 34-year-old is still recovering from offseason surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow and isn’t expected to be ready by Opening Day.
Hernández’s impact goes beyond the box score. Sure, his regular-season numbers last year - a 0.2 bWAR over 92 games - don’t jump off the page.
But when October rolls around, Kiké has a knack for showing up in the biggest moments. He went 16-for-64 in the postseason, adding to an already impressive playoff résumé that now includes 16 career postseason home runs.
Defensively, he was a steady presence in left field, providing the kind of versatility and reliability that championship teams rely on.
The Dodgers know exactly what they’re getting in Hernández - a proven postseason performer, a clubhouse favorite, and a player who can plug into almost any position on the field without skipping a beat. Even if he won’t be ready for Opening Day, his return gives L.A. another trusted option as they chase a third straight title.
Meanwhile, in the Bronx, the Yankees are making a low-risk move to bolster their bullpen. The club has signed veteran reliever Rafael Montero to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. If Montero makes the major league roster, he’ll earn $1.8 million, plus a $500,000 signing bonus.
Montero, now 35, brings a wealth of experience and a World Series ring from his time with the Astros in 2022. Last season was a bit of a whirlwind for him - he started the year with the Braves, was traded to the Tigers at the deadline, and now finds himself trying to crack the Yankees' bullpen.
Across those three teams, Montero logged 60.1 innings with a 4.48 ERA. Not lights-out, but enough to suggest he still has something left in the tank.
For the Yankees, it’s a classic veteran depth play. If Montero can recapture even a bit of his past form, he could become a valuable piece in middle relief - especially for a team looking to solidify the bridge to the late-inning arms.
And over in Baltimore, the Orioles continue to signal they’re all-in for 2026. Their latest move?
Signing right-hander Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million deal. It’s a significant investment, but one that makes a lot of sense for a team that desperately needed stability in its rotation.
The O’s finished last season with a 4.65 ERA from their starters - a number that simply won’t cut it for a contender. Bassitt, now 36, brings a steady hand.
He posted a 3.96 ERA and an 11-9 record last season with the Blue Jays, throwing 170.1 innings across 32 starts. He also proved his value in the playoffs, delivering a 1.04 ERA in seven appearances out of the bullpen.
Bassitt isn’t the kind of ace who’ll carry a staff, but he’s a smart, durable arm who knows how to get outs and eat innings. Over 11 MLB seasons, he’s racked up an 83-65 record and three top-10 finishes in Cy Young voting. He’s also known for his leadership and adaptability - traits that could go a long way in helping mentor Baltimore’s younger arms.
The Orioles have been aggressive this offseason, and Bassitt’s addition is another sign they’re not content just making the playoffs - they want to make noise when they get there.
So whether it’s the Dodgers doubling down on a trusted postseason warrior, the Yankees taking a flyer on a seasoned reliever, or the Orioles investing in rotation depth, one thing is clear: teams across the league are making moves with October in mind.