Get ready, Dodgers fans! Your beloved Kiké Hernández is back in the Blue and White for 2026! After a rollercoaster of a season and a bit of uncertainty, the fan-favorite utility player has confirmed his return to Los Angeles, a move that's becoming a cherished annual tradition for many.
Hernández himself took to Instagram on Thursday to share the exciting news, posting with a confident "What else did you expect?!!! 3 in a row has a nice ring to it! #WeBack." This declaration hints at his eagerness to contribute to what he hopes will be a third consecutive championship for the Dodgers.
Sources like Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic and Jack Harris of The California Post report that Hernández's deal with the Dodgers is valued at $4.5 million. This financial commitment underscores the team's belief in his value, even with his recent injury history.
Now, here's where it gets a bit tricky for the Dodgers' roster management. The team currently has a full 40-man roster, meaning they'll need to make a move to officially welcome Hernández back. The most likely scenario involves utilizing the 60-day injured list, which they can activate once pitchers and catchers officially report to spring training. This is expected to happen no later than Friday, when the Dodgers hold their first official workout at Camelback Ranch.
Last season, 2025, was undeniably tough for Hernández. He battled through left elbow inflammation for seven weeks in July and August, which significantly impacted his regular season. He managed to play in 92 games, hitting .203/.255/.366 with 10 home runs. As usual, his versatility shone through, as he started at five different positions.
But here's the part that truly showcases his grit: he got healthy just in time for the postseason and started all 17 playoff games. Even then, the lingering effects of his injury were felt. While he started strong, hitting .379/.455/.517 with four doubles through the first eight games, an ill-advised dive in left field during Game 3 of the NLCS proved costly. This incident, where he landed awkwardly on his left elbow, led to a significant dip in his performance, with only five hits in 35 at-bats (.143/.139/.229) in the remainder of the postseason.
Following the season, in November, Hernández underwent surgery on his left elbow. This procedure unfortunately ruled him out of playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March and could potentially impact his readiness at the very start of the upcoming regular season.
Despite these challenges, the belief in Hernández's return was strong. During Dodgers Fest on January 31 at Dodger Stadium, teammate Miguel Rojas expressed his confidence: "I’m in constant communication with Kiké. I feel like, all my mind, I have no doubt that he’s gonna be back." Rojas also acknowledged the potential delay in his return due to his injury, stating, "he’s not going to be ready until maybe a couple of months into the season." He emphasized Hernández's crucial role, adding, "because we all know how important he is for the clubhouse, the organization, for the fans, for the city of LA. He deserves to be with us, too."
It's worth noting that during the World Series, Hernández achieved a remarkable milestone, breaking Justin Turner's record for most postseason games played in Dodgers history, now standing at 92 games.
Reflecting on his journey, Hernández shared in October, "This is not just any franchise, man. This is the LA Dodgers. They’ve been around for a long time, and they have a lot of history. And for a guy like me from Puerto Rico, kind of swam against the current my entire life, to be sitting in this position is pretty special." This sentiment highlights the deep connection he feels to the organization and the city.
This marks the third consecutive offseason that Hernández has returned to the Dodgers as a free agent. His journey with the team began when they acquired him from the Marlins at the 2014 winter meetings in the Dee Strange-Gordon trade. He was later reacquired from the Red Sox at the 2023 trade deadline.
When you factor in his upcoming 2026 season, Hernández will have been a Dodger for 10 out of his 13 major league seasons. That's a significant tenure and a testament to his enduring impact.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Hernández's return is celebrated by many, some might argue that his injury history and declining offensive numbers in the regular season raise questions about his overall value, especially considering the financial investment. Is his postseason magic worth the risk and the roster constraints? What do you think, Dodgers faithful? Share your agreement or disagreement in the comments below!
