Kiké Hernandez Sends Message to Former Dodgers Teammate After Retirement News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 3:20 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers have had many players contribute to their decade‑long run of dominance, but few have stood out the way Kiké Hernandez has. The 34‑year‑old utility man has become a fan favorite thanks to his personality and, more importantly, his postseason heroics.

Hernandez re‑signed with Los Angeles this past offseason on a one‑year, $4.5 million contract, extending what is now his second stint with the team. He spent 2015‑2020 with the Dodgers before a brief run with the Boston Red Sox, who eventually traded him back to Los Angeles in 2023.

Hernandez is currently on the 60‑day injured list recovering from offseason surgery on his left elbow, but he is expected to return before the All‑Star break.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Enrique Hernandez (8)Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

When Hernandez does suit up this year, it will mark his tenth season with the Dodgers, and during that time he has played alongside countless teammates. One of them is outfielder Jason Heyward, who spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Los Angeles. Despite only sharing a clubhouse for two years, Heyward and Hernandez built a strong bond.

Even after Heyward was released and finished the 2024 season with the Houston Astros, he still appeared in 87 games for the Dodgers that year, earning a World Series ring in the process. Over 187 games in Dodger blue, Heyward hit .249 with a .322 on‑base percentage and .768 OPS, adding 21 home runs and 68 RBIs.

On Friday, Heyward officially announced his retirement from MLB with an Instagram post, ending a 16‑year career. Hernandez was among the first to comment. “Congrats my brother!! Proud of you man. I love you!!” he wrote.

View this post on Instagram

As Heyward steps into a new chapter away from baseball, Hernandez remains focused on returning to the field and helping the Dodgers chase a three‑peat. Hernandez is the franchise leader in postseason games played with 92, and he has delivered in nearly all of them.

He owns a .245 batting average with 60 hits, 11 home runs, 33 RBIs and 37 runs scored across those 92 playoff appearances. For a team built on October success, having Hernandez back in the mix later this season could once again prove invaluable.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: