Dodgers fans are on edge, and it’s all because of Kiké Hernández. With spring training already underway and games just around the corner, the beloved utility man remains unsigned, leaving everyone guessing about his future. This isn’t the first time Hernández has kept fans in suspense—over the past two seasons, he’s made a habit of dramatically announcing his own re-signings at the last minute, turning the process into a thrilling, if frustrating, rollercoaster ride. But this time, the silence is deafening.
In a recent encounter caught on video, a fan approached Hernández on the street, point-blank asking if he’d be returning to the Dodgers. His response? An exaggerated shrug and a deliberate dodge of the question. And this is the part most people miss: Hernández thrives on this kind of suspense. In 2024, he even recycled a farewell video from 2020, sending fans into a tailspin before revealing it was all a prank. So, is this just another chapter in his playbook, or is something different brewing this time?
Here’s the thing: there’s little reason for panic. Hernández’s return, much like Evan Phillips’, has been all but guaranteed by insiders. The Dodgers just re-signed Phillips despite his recent Tommy John surgery, so it’s not like they’re shy about committing to injured players. Hernández himself is recovering from elbow surgery, which will sideline him for part of the season, but that doesn’t seem to be a deal-breaker for the team. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Phillips’ deal was quick, Hernández’s situation remains unresolved. Are the Dodgers simply waiting to see how the roster shapes up, or is there more to the story?**
Hernández has always been clear about his loyalty to the Dodgers, but he’s also flirted with other teams in the past. In 2024, the Angels, Yankees, and Tigers showed interest, yet he returned to LA. The Angels even admitted they felt Hernández was too focused on the Dodgers to seriously consider their offer. Financially, he’s seen steady growth, earning $4 million in 2024 and $6.5 million in 2025. For 2026, a middle-ground figure seems likely, given his injury status. But the Dodgers aren’t in a rush—they know Hernández’s heart is in LA, and he’d need a firm ‘no’ to even consider other options.
So, where does that leave us? We’re smack in the middle of ‘Kiké season,’ a time of year when fans are both excited and anxious. There’s no need to panic just yet, but if Opening Day arrives without a deal, then we might have a real situation on our hands. What do you think? Is Hernández just playing his usual game, or is there a bigger story here? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate Dodgers fans won’t want to miss.
