Kiké Hernandez makes surprise free-agent decision

Mar 7, 2019; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Enrique Hernandez (14) reacts to a call in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Enrique “Kiké” Hernandez is not effin’ leaving.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported on Monday that the veteran utilityman Hernandez has decided to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez, 32, will be getting a new one-year contract from the team in free agency (worth $4 million).

The news was also confirmed by Hernandez himself.

Sources say….. I’m back!!!

1st to break news @myself

— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) February 26, 2024

A beloved Dodgers fan favorite, Hernandez played for the Dodgers from 2015-20 and won the 2020 World Series with them. After leaving in 2021 to sign with the Boston Red Sox, Hernandez returned for a second stint with the Dodgers at last year’s trade deadline.

Regardless of the history, Hernandez coming back for a new contract with the Dodgers is a surprise since there were four finalists recently named for his services (of which the Dodgers were not one). But there had been a material change since then as the Dodgers just opened up a spot in the outfield by making a trade earlier in the day on Monday.

The versatile righty-hitting Hernandez should now have plenty of opportunity to contribute to the Dodgers in 2024 (and also offer more memorable moments to the fans).