MLB Free Agency Roundup: Dodgers Bring Back Kiké Hernández, Yankees Add Bullpen Depth, Orioles Land Bassitt
The Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping the band together - and that includes one of their most trusted utility pieces. On Thursday, the team agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal to bring back Kiké Hernández, a move that reinforces the depth and versatility that have become hallmarks of this Dodgers roster.
Hernández, now 34, is coming off offseason surgery on his left (non-throwing) elbow and won’t be ready for Opening Day. But when healthy, he’s the kind of glue guy every contender needs.
His 2025 regular season numbers - a modest 0.2 bWAR in 92 games - don’t jump off the page, but his value shows up when it matters most. He went 16-for-64 in the postseason and added to his already impressive playoff résumé with his 16th career postseason home run.
Whether it’s a clutch at-bat or a key defensive play in left field, Hernández has a knack for shining in October.
With stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman headlining the Dodgers’ lineup, and a rotation stacked with arms like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, it’s easy to overlook the role players. But Hernández’s return is a reminder that championship teams are built on more than just big names - they also rely on players who can step in, fill gaps, and deliver in high-leverage moments.
Yankees Add Veteran Arm with Rafael Montero Signing
Over in the Bronx, the New York Yankees are making low-risk, potentially high-reward moves to shore up their bullpen. The club signed veteran reliever Rafael Montero to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. If Montero makes the big-league roster, he’ll earn $1.8 million, plus a $500,000 signing bonus.
Montero, 35, brings 11 years of major league experience and a World Series ring from his time with the Houston Astros. Last season was a whirlwind - he bounced from the Braves to the Tigers before hitting free agency, logging 60.1 innings across the three clubs with a 4.48 ERA. While he’s not the same overpowering presence he once was, Montero still has the kind of veteran savvy that could prove valuable in middle relief or as a bridge to the Yankees’ late-inning arms.
For a team with championship aspirations and a bullpen that’s seen its share of injuries in recent seasons, the move gives New York another option to work with - and at minimal cost.
Orioles Bolster Rotation with Chris Bassitt
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles continue to make noise this offseason, this time by adding a proven starter to their rotation. The team signed right-hander Chris Bassitt to a one-year, $18.5 million deal - a significant investment in a rotation that desperately needed stability.
Baltimore’s starters finished last season with a 4.65 ERA, and Bassitt offers a reliable arm with a long track record of durability and effectiveness. In 2025, he threw 170.1 innings over 32 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays, finishing with a 3.96 ERA and an 11-9 record. He also delivered in the postseason, posting a 1.04 ERA in seven relief appearances.
Now entering his 12th MLB season, Bassitt owns an 83-65 career record and has finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting three times. He may not be a frontline ace, but he’s the kind of steady, experienced presence who can eat innings and mentor younger arms - exactly what the Orioles need as they look to take the next step in their rebuild.
Bassitt’s ability to adapt - whether starting or coming out of the bullpen - gives Baltimore flexibility, and his leadership in the clubhouse could be just as valuable as his production on the mound.
Final Word
The Dodgers are doubling down on what’s worked, the Yankees are quietly reinforcing their bullpen, and the Orioles are making moves that signal they’re serious about contending. With spring training just around the corner, these signings may not make the biggest headlines - but they could end up making a big impact when the games start to matter.