Could a beloved Dodger be making his way back to the blue? The Los Angeles Dodgers and Enrique 'Kiké' Hernández are reportedly open to a reunion, sparking excitement among fans who cherish the versatile veteran. But here's where it gets interesting: Hernández is fresh off elbow surgery and coming off a statistically underwhelming season. So, why are the Dodgers considering bringing him back?
The Dodgers have already locked in fan-favorite Miguel Rojas for another year, and now Hernández could be next on their offseason shopping list. According to Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic, both sides are interested in rekindling their partnership. Hernández, a staple in the Dodgers' lineup for nine of his 12 MLB seasons, has been more than just a player—he’s a three-time World Series champion (2020, 2024, 2025) and a utility man who’s filled nearly every role imaginable. His one-year, $6.5 million deal last offseason was a testament to his value, even if his 2025 campaign didn’t quite live up to expectations.
And this is the part most people miss: Hernández’s 2025 struggles—a .203 batting average across 93 games—were likely compounded by his elbow injury, which sidelined him for much of July and August. Despite this, he stepped up in the playoffs, starting every game and hitting .250, including a crucial home run in Game 5 of the World Series. His defensive versatility, particularly his ability to play multiple positions, remains his strongest suit. With the Dodgers’ current roster featuring question marks in center field (Tommy Edman’s injury woes) and second base (inexperienced Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland), Hernández could be the perfect patch for their soft spots.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is bringing back a 34-year-old coming off a down year and surgery a smart move, or are the Dodgers clinging to past glory? While Hernández’s potential role might be part-time, his impact could extend beyond stats—his clubhouse presence and postseason experience are invaluable. Plus, with the Dodgers’ payroll dropping from nearly $400 million to $337 million next season, his modest contract wouldn’t break the bank or significantly impact luxury tax considerations.
So, what do you think? Is Hernández still worth a spot on the roster, or should the Dodgers look elsewhere for depth? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
