Kike Hernandez’s place with the Dodgers suddenly looks less certain, and the debate around whether Los Angeles should bring him back has clearly shifted.
The longtime free agent is now 35 and in the stretch of his career where retirement can’t be ignored anymore. Even so, one thing has never been in question: Hernandez still brings a huge presence into the clubhouse. The problem is that his on-field production has slipped, and his postseason impact has gotten harder to count on.
That tension is what has some around the team wondering whether the Dodgers should keep moving forward without him. Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain made that case bluntly on Dodgers Dougout Live.
“This is the time to move on. I know no one wants to hear that,” McKain said on Dodgers Dougout Live.
“I know it’s the most unpopular opinion, and look, his energy is great. Everything’s awesome about it, but look, all good things come to an end.
“Kike said himself, after he hit the home run against Chris Sale, that this team is not athletic. They’re not going to be running the bases. Defense has taken a hit.
“He would; he got injured in the regular season. Look, man, it’s the toughest thing to do, bro.
It really is. But I think this is Toy Story 3.
This is where Andy goes into his room and gives Bonnie, Woody, and the rest of the toys.”
The numbers back up why this conversation is happening. Over the last two seasons, Hernandez has hit .208/.259/.376 with a 75 OPS+ in the regular season. In the postseason, he has hit .218 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 23 games.
Still, there’s a case for keeping him in Dodger blue. Hernandez remains the kind of utility player who can move around the diamond and handle work in both the infield and outfield. Injuries have been a major issue for him over the last two years, and if he can finally stay healthy, the Dodgers could get more out of him offensively.
There’s also the possibility that more consistent at-bats would help. With a regular stream of platoon opportunities, Hernandez wouldn’t have to keep ramping up and down so abruptly. And beyond the stat line, he still offers something the Dodgers value: a veteran who can help set the tone in the room and do whatever it takes to win.
For Hernandez and the Dodgers, there’s still an argument for one more run together, especially with veteran leader Miguel Rojas leaving. But if Los Angeles is serious about getting younger and retooling, a clean break could make sense for both sides.
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