In a move that shook the baseball world, Kiké Hernández – the indispensable “October hero” of the Dodgers – publicly expressed his burning desire to return to the blue roof after becoming a free agent.
At a fan event held at Raising Cane’s a few days after the Dodgers won the championship, Hernández could not hide his emotions. He told hundreds of fans:
“I really want to come back. We just won the championship, but I believe this team will be even better next year, especially with the addition of more pitching.”
Hernández was not just joking, but also made a direct appeal to the team’s management: “Tell Friedman and the others that you want me back,” he said frankly.
Kiké’s return was not just a personal desire – it had become “the whole organization’s business.” President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman says bringing Kiké back is almost a top priority for them. “We never had a plan B,” Friedman admits.
And his teammates? They’re not hiding their ambitions: pitcher Anthony Banda highlighted Kiké as one of his top three teammates he’d like to play with, saying the versatile player brings a lot of energy both on and off the field.
However, the opportunity to return to the Dodgers won’t come easily. According to sources, the New York Yankees and a few other teams approached Kiké during the trade window.
But as he made clear on The Shop podcast, his primary goal remains Los Angeles: “My main priority is to get back here and continue my championship journey.”
The drama has intensified as the Dodgers roster has become more crowded – but the board seems determined to keep the door open for Kiké.
The Dodgers eventually reached an agreement with Hernández: a one-year, $6.5 million contract, pending a medical.
Emotional impact: Kiké Hernández is more than just a player—he’s the soul of the team in big moments. In October, he shined, brought home big hits, and was always in the thick of things.
Desire to build a legacy: He mentioned a bigger goal: not just a championship, but back-to-back, the first team to do so since the Yankees in the late 1990s.
Off-field value: Kiké’s ability to play multiple positions, along with his leadership style and connection with his teammates, made him indispensable in the locker room.
As Kiké Hernandez’s heartfelt words echoed around Dodger Stadium and social media, fans everywhere chanted, “You’re home, Kiké!” And it seems the Dodgers are opening their doors to him again—a reunion that could make his ambition a reality: winning again, again, together.
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