When you think about the heart and soul of the Dodgers’ clubhouse over the last decade, it's hard not to picture Kiké Hernández front and center - rallying the team, delivering in the postseason, and rocking that signature postseason swagger that’s become part of the Dodgers’ DNA. And even though he’s currently a free agent, it feels less like a goodbye and more like a pause. There’s a strong sense around the league - and certainly in Los Angeles - that Kiké will be back in Dodger blue before long.
Let’s start with the obvious: Hernández isn’t just another veteran. He’s a three-time World Series champion who’s logged more postseason games in a Dodgers uniform than anyone else in franchise history.
That kind of experience, especially in October, doesn’t just grow on trees. It’s part of why there’s such a natural assumption that he’ll return, even if the timeline is a little unclear right now.
The big wrinkle this offseason is Kiké’s elbow. What was initially thought to be a relatively minor issue has turned out to be more serious, and it could sideline him for the early part of the 2026 season. That’s likely why we haven’t heard much movement on his free agency front - and why we might not hear anything until spring training gets underway and the 60-day injured list opens up.
Still, this isn’t a situation where his future hinges on other dominoes falling. The Dodgers aren’t waiting to see if they land a big-name outfielder before deciding whether there’s room for Hernández.
The reality is, there’s always room for Kiké in L.A. - whether he’s a regular contributor or a clubhouse leader who sees more action in the dugout than on the field. Think Miguel Rojas, who’s carved out a role as a steady veteran presence.
Kiké could be on a similar path.
President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman even said during the Winter Meetings that he’ll “never shut the door on Kiké.” That’s not just front office speak - it reflects the deep connection between player and organization.
And according to reports, “all signs” are pointing toward a reunion. The only question is when, not if.
Hernández himself has been open about the elbow injury. On a recent episode of Baseball & Coffee with Adam Ottavino, he shared that the damage was more extensive than he or the Dodgers originally believed. But it didn’t stop him from playing through it and coming up clutch during the 2025 title run - a testament to his grit and value when the lights are brightest.
And if you’re looking for subtle signs that a return is in the cards, fans have pointed to one small but telling detail: Kiké hasn’t changed his social media profile picture in the way he usually does during free agency - where he swaps in a Dodgers cap with a question mark. That little tradition hasn’t made an appearance this offseason, and it’s only fueling the belief that he’s already mentally back in L.A.
Now, on paper, an aging, injured outfielder coming off surgery might not seem like a priority. But the Dodgers aren’t most teams.
Their financial flexibility doesn’t just allow them to chase top-tier stars - it also gives them the luxury of keeping beloved veterans around without having to nickel-and-dime the back end of the roster. That’s a huge advantage, especially when those veterans bring more than just on-field production.
Kiké might not be logging 500 at-bats a season moving forward, but his impact goes well beyond the box score. He’s a glue guy, a tone-setter, and a fan favorite. And in a clubhouse that’s chasing championships year after year, that kind of presence matters.
So while the official word might not come until spring, don’t be surprised when Hernández is back in Dodger Stadium - cracking jokes, making plays, and adding another chapter to a career that already feels inseparable from the Dodgers' modern era.