The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t just make noise this offseason - they made a statement. After landing two of the biggest free agents on the market in Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz, and bringing back key veterans Miguel Rojas and Evan Phillips on one-year deals, the Dodgers already looked like a team with few holes.
But as president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman hinted, they weren’t done. Now, another familiar face is officially back in the fold: Kiké Hernández.
Hernández announced his return in classic Kiké fashion, posting on Instagram: “What else did you expect?!!! 3 in a row has a nice ring to it!
#WeBack.” It’s vintage Hernández - confident, cheeky, and unmistakably fired up to be back in Dodger Blue.
The deal is a one-year contract worth $4.5 million, according to reports.
Let’s be clear: this reunion isn’t just about nostalgia or locker room chemistry - though Hernández brings both in spades. It’s about depth, versatility, and postseason experience. Even after a tough 2025 season, Hernández still offers something the Dodgers value deeply: the ability to play almost anywhere on the field, and to deliver in the moments that matter most.
Last season, Hernández slashed .203/.255/.366 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs over 92 games. Not exactly eye-popping numbers, and elbow issues sidelined him for nearly two months.
He struggled to find his rhythm at the plate and wasn’t the impact bat fans have come to expect in October. But even in a down year, he found a way to leave his mark.
Game 6 of the World Series was one of those classic “Kiké moments” - the kind Dodgers fans have come to love. With the game - and the season - hanging in the balance, Hernández made a running catch in left field and then delivered a low but on-target throw to second base.
Rojas did the rest, scooping the ball and keeping his foot on the bag to double up Addison Barger. That play sealed the win and forced a Game 7 in Toronto, where the Dodgers ultimately clinched their third World Series title since 2020.
For Hernández, that meant ring number three.
At 34, Hernández isn’t the everyday player he once was, but his value to the Dodgers goes beyond the box score. In 2025, he played five different positions - and even made five mop-up appearances on the mound, striking out one batter in 5.1 innings. That kind of flexibility is gold over the course of a 162-game season, especially for a team with title aspirations and a roster built to go deep into October.
In 2026, expect Hernández to reprise his utility role - bouncing between the infield and outfield, stepping in when injuries pop up, and providing a veteran presence both on the field and in the clubhouse. And if history is any indication, don’t be surprised if he delivers another signature postseason moment when the lights are brightest.
The Dodgers didn’t need to bring Kiké Hernández back. But they know exactly what he brings - and when you’re chasing a third straight title, having a guy like that in your corner is more than just a luxury. It’s a weapon.