Kiké Hernández joins Dodgers for 2025, aiming for another World Series title

In a move that brings both familiarity and excitement to the Los Angeles Dodgers, veteran utilityman Kiké Hernández has rejoined the team for the 2025 season. The Dodgers and Hernández have finalized a one-year contract that will see the 33-year-old take part in the team's World Series defense next year. The deal, which is contingent upon a physical examination, has been confirmed by a source close to the matter, although they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Kiké Hernández: a familiar face returns

Hernández, a longtime fan favorite, expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with the Dodgers by sharing a video on social media, captioned,

walking through the open door.

This signals his return to the team after a season that saw him play an integral role in the Dodgers' successful 2023 postseason campaign.

Throughout the offseason, the Dodgers had kept the door open for a potential reunion with Hernández, despite their significant spending spree on other players. Hernández, for his part, remained focused on staying with the Dodgers, especially after contributing to their championship run in October.

During the team's fan fest event earlier this year, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes confirmed that talks with Hernández were ongoing, even as the veteran reportedly drew interest from other teams like the New York Yankees.

Kiké Hernández: a strong finish to 2023 and Playoff heroics

Hernández's second stint with the Dodgers began in 2023 when he was reacquired at the trade deadline. In 54 games with the team, he hit .262, which helped him secure a one-year, $4 million deal for the 2024 season. Despite a slow start in 2024, during which he struggled with a sub-.200 batting average, Hernández found his rhythm later in the year. A swing adjustment and the discovery of an eye condition led him to wear glasses, resulting in a much stronger finish to the season.

Hernández's postseason performances were especially memorable. In Game 5 of the National League Division Series, he hit one of two solo home runs that helped the Dodgers defeat the San Diego Padres. He continued his strong play in the NL Championship Series with seven hits and four RBIs, contributing significantly to the Dodgers' victory over the Yankees and securing their second championship in five years.

Manager Dave Roberts praised Hernández's ability to rise to the occasion, calling him 'a guy who always rises to the occasion' and reinforcing the reason the team brought him back: 'to win 11 games in October.' Hernández's passion for returning to the team was clear when he spoke to fans at an event in November, saying,

I really, really hope I’m back next year so we can run it back.

With the announcement of his return, Hernández fulfills one of the final wishes for the team’s big-spending winter. Teammates, including outfielder Teoscar Hernández, expressed their excitement about the news.

Everybody’s waiting for that news to pop up,” Teoscar said. I want Kike to be back.