Hernandez and the Dodgers will kick off their home schedule on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers at Chavez Ravine
The game will mark the beginning of another highly anticipated season for the Dodgers, with Hernandez aiming to make an impact early on.
As the season unfolds, his journey back to Los Angeles will be a storyline worth following.
From an uncertain offseason to rejoining a championship-caliber team, Hernandez’s resilience and commitment to the Dodgers will play a pivotal role in their quest for success in 2024.
In the end, Hernandez’s patience paid off, and the Dodgers secured a versatile, experienced, and reliable player for the 2024 season.
His return strengthens the team’s depth and provides them with another valuable piece in their quest for another championship. As the season unfolds, Hernandez will have ample opportunities to prove why he was worth the wait.
Also Read: Kike Hernandez Opens Up: The Baseball Legends Who Inspired His Game
Table of Contents
Kike Hernandez: The Journey Back to the Dodgers
A Rollercoaster Offseason for Kike Hernandez
The 2023-24 MLB offseason was filled with uncertainties for super utilityman Kike Hernandez.1
While he had a strong desire to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he found himself in a waiting game, with no immediate offers materializing.
Hernandez recently opened up about the process behind his return during an appearance on “Dodgers Territory” with hosts Alanna Rizzo and Clint Pasillas. His comments shed light on his patience, the Dodgers’ approach, and the overall market for his services.
For much of the offseason, Hernandez was left waiting as teams filled their rosters and prioritized other signings.
Despite his versatility and experience, there were no immediate offers that matched his expectations. He admitted that the waiting period was frustrating, particularly as other free agents secured their contracts.
“I was just waiting, waiting and waiting, there was nothing really going on until the last day or two,” Hernandez said during the interview. “I felt like we would start getting a little more action, but by that time it was a little late.”
Join me as I take the @PlayersTribune camcorder and show you a BTS of the #TokyoSeries!
Adding filmmaker to the list of positions I’ve played in the big leagues! pic.twitter.com/1G0fcU2tf7
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) March 24, 2025
The Dodgers’ Late But Welcome Offer
Just as the possibility of remaining unsigned for an extended period loomed, the Dodgers stepped in. They expressed interest in bringing Hernandez back but were upfront about their roster being nearly full.
“The Dodgers came in and obviously said, ‘We have a pretty full roster-wise but we’d like to have you back,’” Hernandez shared.
The offer was immediately appreciated by Hernandez’s camp, but the Dodgers also left the door open for him to explore better opportunities elsewhere.
Although the Dodgers encouraged Hernandez to explore his options, no significantly better offers came his way. As a result, the decision to re-sign with the Dodgers became an easy one.
“Of course, we understand you have to do what’s best for you and your family,” the Dodgers told Hernandez.
“‘We’re throwing out this offer at you. But you can’t do anything until February 10. If something better comes by, then we understand.’ But that better never came by.”
His comments indicate that the market for his services was more limited than expected, making the Dodgers’ offer the most appealing.
Kike Hernandez: Second Stint in Los Angeles
Hernandez’s return to the Dodgers marks his second stint with the franchise.2
After spending six seasons in Los Angeles from 2015 to 2020, he joined the Boston Red Sox in 2021. However, he was traded back to the Dodgers midway through the 2023 season, where he played a crucial role in their postseason push.
Despite his offensive inconsistencies, Hernandez’s defensive versatility and experience made him a valuable asset.
Whether playing in the infield or outfield, he provided depth for the Dodgers’ roster.
Heading into the 2024 season, Hernandez is expected to continue serving as a key utility player. With the Dodgers boasting a star-studded lineup, his ability to fill in at multiple positions makes him an essential part of the team.
Hernandez’s Role in 2024
Whether he is playing infield, outfield, or pinch-hitting in clutch situations, his presence provides manager Dave Roberts with a reliable option off the bench.
Hernandez expressed excitement about returning to Los Angeles and helping the Dodgers compete for another championship.
He acknowledged the support he has received from fans and the strong culture within the organization.
“I guess it was a good spot to be in where I get to come back to the Dodgers, get to defend the title, get in front of the home crowd that rallied troops behind me,” Hernandez said.
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Kike Hernandez Exercised Patience in Re-signing with Dodgers
A Patient Approach to Re-Signing
Kike Hernandez, while hopeful to remain in Los Angeles, had to exercise patience before officially re-signing with the Dodgers.3
His decision to wait and allow the necessary roster adjustments highlighted his deep commitment to the team and its future.
During his “Dodgers Territory” interview, Hernandez revealed that while he and the team had a deal in principle, the agreement could not be finalized until February 10.
This delay resulted from two primary conditions that had to be met before the contract could be made official.
The Physical Exam: A Minor Hurdle
One of the conditions involved Hernandez passing a physical examination. Fortunately, this requirement was not a major hurdle for the veteran utility player, who has maintained solid health throughout his career.
His ability to remain physically fit and perform in multiple positions made this process relatively straightforward.
The second and more significant challenge was the need for the Dodgers to clear space on their 40-man roster.
Major League Baseball’s roster constraints meant that the team had to be strategic in their personnel decisions. The Dodgers had to wait for opportunities to move players to the 60-day injured list to open a spot for Hernandez.
Navigating the Dodgers’ Roster Moves
Los Angeles has one of the most competitive rosters in baseball, and every transaction requires careful consideration.
The delay in finalizing Hernandez’s contract was not a sign of hesitation from the team but rather a procedural necessity.
The Dodgers needed to ensure that their roster was optimally structured before making official commitments.
With his contract secured, Hernandez is expected to fill a crucial bench role for the Dodgers. While he may not be an everyday starter, his ability to play multiple positions will provide manager Dave Roberts with valuable flexibility.
Depending on injuries and performance needs, Hernandez could see significant playing time throughout the season.
Kike Hernandez: Late-Game Situations and Defensive Value
One of Hernandez’s biggest strengths is his defensive versatility. As a super utility player, he can seamlessly transition between the infield and outfield.
Roberts will likely deploy Hernandez in late-game situations where defensive adjustments are crucial. His experience and baseball IQ make him an asset in high-pressure moments.
Hernandez’s postseason track record is another key reason the Dodgers prioritized bringing him back.
Throughout his career, he has delivered in big moments, most notably during the team’s 2020 World Series run.
The Dodgers are hopeful that his ability to perform under pressure will once again be useful as they aim for another championship.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Hernandez brings invaluable chemistry to the Dodgers’ clubhouse.
His positive attitude, leadership, and strong relationships with teammates create a cohesive environment that enhances team morale. This intangible quality is often overlooked but plays a significant role in team success over a long season.
Comparing Hernandez’s Market Options
While Hernandez ultimately re-signed with the Dodgers, he likely had interest from other teams. As a versatile and experienced player, he could have pursued opportunities elsewhere for potentially more playing time.
However, his familiarity with the Dodgers’ system and winning culture made Los Angeles the best fit for him.
The Dodgers enter the 2024 season with high expectations, aiming for back-to-back World Series championships.
Their deep roster, strong pitching staff, and powerful lineup make them one of the top contenders. Hernandez’s return further strengthens their depth, giving them another proven player who can contribute in key moments.
Kike Hernandez: The Impact of Roster Depth
Depth is one of the most critical factors for a championship-caliber team. Injuries and slumps are inevitable over a 162-game season, and having reliable players like Hernandez ensures that the Dodgers can maintain a high level of performance.
His ability to step in and deliver whenever called upon adds another layer of security for the team.
Dodgers fans have grown to appreciate Hernandez’s energy, enthusiasm, and clutch performances. While his role may be more limited than in previous seasons, he will still have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
Whether as a defensive substitution, a pinch-hitter, or a spot starter, Hernandez’s contributions will be invaluable.
Hernandez’s journey to re-signing with the Dodgers exemplifies the importance of patience in professional sports.
Both players and teams must navigate financial constraints, roster limitations, and strategic planning. Hernandez’s willingness to wait and trust the process ultimately led to a favorable outcome for both parties.
Kike Hernandez: Celebration
Kike Hernandez’s celebrated the Los Angeles Baseball World Championship with Chicken Fingers.
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Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw: A Similar Process
Interestingly, Hernandez was not the only key player who had to wait before officially re-signing with the Dodgers.
Clayton Kershaw also had to go through a similar process, with the team ensuring that all roster logistics were in place before finalizing his deal. These parallel situations highlight the complexities of MLB roster management.
While the regular season is important, Hernandez’s true value often shines in October.
If the Dodgers reach the playoffs again, his experience and ability to deliver in clutch situations will be a crucial asset. Fans will be eager to see if he can replicate some of his previous postseason heroics.
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