Dodgers: MLB Analyst Predicts Kiké Hernandez Re-Signs in LA
With just a few weeks to go until players are scheduled to report for Spring Training, the Dodgers still have some space to fill out on their roster. After all, the only free agent that they have been able to re-sign so far is reliever Blake Treinen.
The further that we get into the offseason, the more strange it gets that there are so many MLB free agents still waiting for contracts. You can thank the uncertainty of the 2021 season and the hesitancy of the league to come to an agreement for that. But one Dodgers player has come up a lot in conversations for several teams.
Kiké Hernandez makes sense for a lot of different teams around the league given his defensive versatility and yes, his bat. But at least one MLB expert thinks that Kiké will not move on from the Dodgers and that he will be back in LA. MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds made his prediction this week.
I think he goes back to the Dodgers. It only makes sense to keep this whole machine moving forward. I just think they play such a unique brand and they expect so much from guys to come off of the bench and be productive. It’s not easy to do, you got to know your role. And I think Kiké is the perfect guy you bring back to keep this thing moving forward.
Depending on what kind of Dodgers fan you are, the idea of Kiké returning is either great or terrible. Hernandez has made it clear that he wants a starting job where he can garner at least 500 at-bats. Los Angeles likely is not likely to offer that sort of playing time for Hernandez given the state of their current roster.
Related: Dodgers in on RHP Kirby Yates
The Red Sox were reportedly interested in Hernandez who checks a lot of boxes for them. In reality, the former LA super utilityman checks boxes for a lot of teams, so expect him to move on this year.
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Makes some sense for the Dodgers. Makes no sense for Kiki.
Exactly.
Actually, there is no room on the current 40-man roster, so someone will have to go in order for Kiké to return. Caleb Ferguson and Tommy Kahnle will eventually move to the 60-day IL, but that cannot happen until spring training. I do not see Kiké returning with Dodgers also keeping Chris Taylor and AJ Pollock — one would likely be traded.
If LA kept Hernandez, Taylor and Pollock on their roster the last two seasons why trade one now?
Just trust Andrew Friedman if he brings back Kiki, I support that if he doesn’t that ok also. Andrew Friedman will make the right decision, he will have more knowledge like what is JT going to do that we don’t. The bottom line just watching Andrew Friedman do his thing, love that he makes all writers look silly. They never know what he’s thinking until he announces it.
I agree with you. Heard a comment the other day that the league is playing checkers and Friedman is playing chess, he is always several moves ahead of the rest.
Kike wants and needs at bats to prove his talent to himself and others. I would hope he signs with a club that gives him a starting position. He is a terrific clubhouse person and a very talented player. The Dodgers have options like Rios, Beaty, McKinstry, and others that can fill in with Taylor.
I doubt JT gets a 4 year deal anywhere and will have difficulty getting a 3 year deal. This season will be shortened and financially impacted the year after there is a very good chance of a strike. So many clubs are in no hurry to sign long term high $ deals.
We all appreciate JT but he is another Multi-Millionaire player so I don’t have a lot of empathy. He is trying to get a final deal but COVID has effected most of us negatively so he needs to be aware of reality.
Kike is gone. JT is the last guy that you want to drop from your roster. We have too many swing and miss guys. Need contact guys with the bat. JT and LaMayhoo are the guys we need. Unfortunately, I think LaMayhoo wants to stay in pinstripes and is only using LA to solidify his price tag to Cashman.
I would bet against this happening, although it would be great to have him back. My guess is he wants to start and that won’t happen with the Dodgers.
If not Kike or Turner Dodgers thus still must obtain a couple of other RHB. The current projected lineup is too LH heavy.
Absolutely. And if Turner doesn’t return (4 years, really?) then maybe the Dodgers slot Hernandez into a more regular infield role and move the pieces around (maybe Muncy to third?), but that creates a lot of moving parts when you might not want to be messing too much with success. I think that if they truly reach an impasse with Turner, they try to pick the Cubs pocket on Bryant because a one-year commitment is never a bad thing, assuming the price is only a bunch of lower level prospects. I just don’t see Kike settling for the undefined “rover” role anymore. Some other team will give him a regular spot to play. He’s earned that.
I like Harold but he’s not known as being one of the most accurate MLB prognosticators. If Kike wants more money and – especially – more playing time, there is no reason he would return to the Dodgers. He’s accomplished every thing he wanted to do with the Dodgers (the ring?). Now he can go elsewhere and nothing will change his legacy with the Dodgers.
Make an offer on LeMaheui north of what the Yankees would meet. The batting order especially the top of the order becomes the best in baseball. I just think the price to pull this off will turn out a bargain. We are talking an elite player whose price is high in absolute terms but a bargain in value. Just as a side note offer JT two years take it or leave it. He passes use some of that money on a two year deal to Kiki. If neither of those happen spend it on one of the rummored closers. Another interesting idea is Seager from Seattle if it gets his brother to extend.
Kike will sign to play every day not to be platooned.So I don’t think he signs with dodgers.He will be an all star wherever he goes and gold glove.