The Dodgers brought back a fan favorite this week when they traded Manuel Margot and re-signed utility player Kiké Hernández to take his place. Hernández first joined the Dodgers during the 2014-15 offseason and rejoined the club in a trade with the Boston Red Sox at last year's deadline.
Hernández's energy in the clubhouse has been apparent throughout his time with the team. Now 32, Hernández has matured from his early days but remains a positive force in the clubhouse.
This week, Hernández revealed on the Foul Territory show that he chose the Dodgers over the New York Yankees in free agency.
"It came down to Dodgers or Yankees. Big market only. I chose the Dodgers because they have a lot of left-handed hitters. Obviously I have familiarity, I was already late to spring, I didn't have to pack my bags and fly to Florida and all that and then move my family across the country. Dodgers being here in Arizona was convenient. Also they have a lot of left-handed hitters in the lineup. I think main reason was, they were able least guarantee me at least to start against left-handed pitchers."
Being comfortable with the Dodgers' system played a major role in Hernández's decision. After last year's disappointing first-round postseason exit, he wants to help the team finish what it started.
Hernández gives the Dodgers major flexibility when building out different lineups. His 54-game stretch in Los Angeles saw a return to form at the plate; Hernández slashed a respectable .262/.308/.423 while appearing at seven different positions.
The veteran utilityman said other teams were interested in signing him, but none made any serious offers.
“The Tigers were very interested. The Angels were there but never really made an offer. The Giants were kind of in there but they were also waiting until the end to make an offer, and they ended up not making an offer. And there was a lot of teams that checked in just to see."
Dodgers fans are glad Hernández is back with the team where his career took off. Now the work begins, as the team looks to make another run at winning a World Series.
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