Dodgers bring back Kiké Hernández on one-year, $4.5 million deal
Kiké Hernández is returning to Los Angeles for the 2026 season, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million. The fan-favorite utility player announced he was back on Thursday, February 12, 2026 (ET), setting up another run with the reigning champions and fueling hopes of a three-peat. For search clarity: kike hernandez remains with the Dodgers.
The deal and the roster domino
The agreement brings back a trusted postseason performer and versatile defender on a short-term pact. With the 40-man roster currently full, the club will need to clear a spot before the contract becomes official. A straightforward path exists once the 60-day injured list opens for spring training: newly re-signed reliever Evan Phillips can be transferred there to free a slot. Teams may begin utilizing the 60-day list when pitchers and catchers report, which arrives this week and no later than Friday, February 13 (ET).
Beyond the base salary, the financial ripple is meaningful under the competitive balance tax. As a third-time payor operating well above the highest threshold, the organization faces a 110% surcharge on new dollars. That places the total outlay for Hernández’s deal at $9.45 million between salary and tax.
Versatility first, with guarded expectations at the plate
Hernández, 34, remains a multipositional asset capable of handling second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield spots, with particular value in late-game defensive alignments. Offensively, the profile has cooled from his peak years. In 2025 he posted a .203/.255/.366 line with 10 home runs across 256 plate appearances, and struck out at a career-high rate. Since his mid-2023 return to Los Angeles, he has hit .228/.279/.382 in a little over 800 trips to the plate. Production against left-handed pitching, once a standout calling card, has dipped to a .220/.278/.393 line over that span.
Even with the bat trending down, the club prioritizes Hernández’s defensive range, baseball IQ, and clubhouse presence—qualities that continue to earn him high-leverage assignments and make him a snug fit on a star-heavy roster.
Health check: elbow surgery and early-season timeline
Hernández endured a stop-and-start 2025 after missing seven weeks in midsummer with left elbow inflammation. He underwent a cleanup procedure on that elbow in November. The offseason surgery removed him from consideration for March international play and may push back his readiness for the Opening Day roster. How quickly he ramps up will be a key storyline in the early weeks of camp, but the team is positioned to absorb a staggered start given its depth and his likely role.
Trusted in October, built for big moments
Few active role players can match Hernández’s October résumé. He owns an .826 OPS across 103 postseason games and started all 17 games during last year’s title run. His 2025 postseason featured a hot start before a dip following a left-field dive in the NLCS that aggravated his elbow, culminating in a .250/.290/.359 line with one home run over 69 plate appearances. Still, he was in the lineup nightly as the club secured a championship—his third ring along with 2020 and 2024. He also holds the franchise record for most postseason games played.
How he fits on a loaded 2026 roster
There is no everyday job earmarked for Hernández, but his utility role remains essential. With Kyle Tucker in right field and Teoscar Hernández in left, everyday outfield corners are set. Center field reps are likely to be shared, with Andy Pages in the mix and the staff evaluating how much ground Tommy Edman can cover as he finishes his return from ankle surgery. Kiké Hernández can spell all three outfield spots, spot at third base against left-handed pitching, and slide into the middle infield as needed.
The bench picture is taking shape: Hernández and Miguel Rojas are near-locks, with a backup catcher—likely Dalton Rushing—rounding out a core group. Hyeseong Kim projects as the favorite for another bench spot if Edman is active for Opening Day. Should Edman require an IL stint to start the year, Kim would be in line for second base, and a final bench place could fall to one of Alex Call, Ryan Ward, or Alex Freeland.
In sum, Hernández’s return reinforces what the club values around the margins: defensive flexibility, postseason composure, and a trusted voice inside the room. If his elbow cooperation brings anything close to league-average offense, the one-year pact could loom large in yet another deep October push.
