The Los Angeles Angels haven’t exactly lit up the offseason with splashy moves. Instead, they’ve taken a more cautious - some might say patchwork - approach, adding a couple of high-risk arms to the rotation, piecing together a bullpen, and bringing in Josh Lowe to bolster the outfield.
All the while, their neighbors up the I-5, the Dodgers, have gone full superteam mode, flexing their financial muscle once again. But in a twist of irony, that very spending spree might open the door for the Angels to make a savvy, under-the-radar addition of their own - one that could pay real dividends come Opening Day.
Enter Enrique “Kiké” Hernández.
Angels fans know the name well. Hernández has long been a key cog in the Dodgers’ machine - the kind of versatile, high-energy player who’s been a luxury piece in L.A., but would’ve been a lineup staple in Anaheim over the past decade.
And now, at age 34, he’s still sitting on the free-agent market, waiting for the right fit. With the Dodgers having shelled out big bucks for Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz this winter, their roster - and payroll - may no longer have room for a veteran utility man like Hernández.
That’s where the Angels could swoop in.
A Swiss Army Knife the Angels Could Use
Let’s talk about what Hernández brings to the table. Defensively, he’s still one of the most flexible and reliable gloves in the game.
In 2025, he logged innings at five different positions: third base, second base, first base, left field, and center field. According to Baseball Savant’s Outs Above Average metric, Hernández was steady at second and center, and above average at third (3 OAA), left (2 OAA), and even first base (1 OAA).
That kind of versatility is pure gold for a team like the Angels, who are still sorting out defensive roles across the diamond. Whether it’s plugging holes or giving guys rest, Hernández could be the ultimate insurance policy for manager Kurt Suzuki.
A Perfect Platoon Fit
And it’s not just the glove. Offensively, Hernández still has value - especially in a platoon role.
The Angels recently added Josh Lowe and re-signed Yoán Moncada, two left-handed hitters who’ve shown they can mash righties. But against lefties?
That’s been a different story. Both posted OPS+ numbers under 40 against southpaws in 2025, which is a tough sell in a league where matchup flexibility is everything.
That’s where Hernández fits in beautifully. Over his career, he’s posted a 121 OPS+ against left-handed pitching - more than enough to justify regular at-bats against southpaws.
Slot him in when a lefty’s on the mound, and suddenly the Angels’ lineup becomes a lot more balanced. He can spell Lowe or Moncada, or even pinch-hit late in games when the opposing team brings in a lefty from the pen.
More Than a Bench Guy
Hernández isn’t just a plug-and-play utility man. He’s the kind of player who can change the complexion of a game - whether it’s with a timely hit, a defensive gem, or just the kind of veteran savvy that doesn’t show up in the box score. He’s been through the playoff grind, knows how to handle big moments, and brings a level of energy that could be contagious in a clubhouse that’s searching for its identity.
For an Angels team that’s been trying to find value around the margins this offseason, this move makes too much sense. Kiké Hernández may not be the headline-grabber fans were hoping for, but he’s the kind of piece that helps good teams become better - and helps shaky rosters find stability.
If the Angels are serious about competing in 2026, this is exactly the type of move that could quietly tip the scales in their favor.