Enrique Hernández Delivers Potential Goodbye To Dodgers Fans

Aug 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pinch hitter Enrique Hernandez (8) stretches in the dugout before his at bat against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Aug 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pinch hitter Enrique Hernandez (8) stretches in the dugout before his at bat against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Enrique Hernández Delivers Potential Goodbye To Dodgers Fans

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | Last updated Oct 21, 2026 9:00 AM ET

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The Los Angeles Dodgers face a pivotal offseason after falling short of their ultimate goal to three-peat. One of the decisions the team will need to make is regarding Enrique Hernández’s future.

He is on track to be among the Dodgers’ nine free agents the morning after the World Series concludes. Though, Miguel Rojas has already announced his retirement, which leaves the Dodgers with eight free agents.

Meanwhile, it’s going to mark a third consecutive year Hernández is available on the open market. In an Instagram post, Hernández reflected on the 2026 season and commemorated the Dodgers’ run over the last three years.

“LA; we fell short of our big goal. But looking at the big picture, what a ride these last three years were!!” Hernández wrote in the caption. “If this is it for us…. Once again, I will always be thankful for you guys & I will forever love ya!

#JustAKidFromPR”

The 35-year-old has been a key figure in the Dodgers’ organization throughout his career, but especially during his second stint, which began in 2023.

Parting ways with Hernández makes sense for the Dodgers from a roster construction perspective. With the oldest Opening Day roster in the Majors again this season, it is time for the organization to start building their new foundation.

Hernández will be a difficult player to replace if that is the path the Dodgers choose. His clubhouse presence, positional versatility and postseason success doesn’t exactly grow on trees.

The Dodgers could just as easily re-sign him for those reasons. The organization’s decision could ultimately come down to whether they feel confident in an in-house replacement or whether there is value to be had on the free-agent or trade market.

The Dodgers’ other free agents this offseason include Kris Bubic, Brusdar Graterol, Eric Lauer, Evan Phillips, Tarik Skubal, Blake Treinen and Alex Vesia.

Enrique Hernández hopes to re-sign with Dodgers

Hernández has already made it clear his preference is to re-sign with the Dodgers for the 2027 season. L.A. re-signed Hernández to successive one-year contracts in each of the last two offseasons but there appears to be less of a guarantee this time around.

The current collective bargaining agreement expires at 9 p.m. PT on Dec. 1. Players could sign new contracts prior to that point, but will be prohibited from doing so during an expected lockout that will likely drag well into 2027.

This article first appeared on Dodger Blue and was syndicated with permission.

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