Popular utility man Enrique Hernandez breaks his own news about future with Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers added what may be the final piece to their major league roster on Thursday.

Utility man Enrique Hernandez announced on his Instagram that he is returning to the Dodgers for the upcoming season. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that Hernandez will receive $4.5 million on his one-year contract.

Hernandez has spent all but three-and-a-half years of his time in the majors with the Dodgers. He was originally acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Marlins during the 2014-15 offseason, where he would remain until he signed with the Red Sox as a free agent in 2021. Hernandez was dealt back to the Dodgers ahead of the 2023 trade deadline and has signed successive one-year deals over the past three offseasons.

Enrique Hernandez gives Dodgers valued versatility, proven playoff performance

Hernandez's production slipped in 2025. The 34-year-old posted a .203/.255/.366 batting line in his 256 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and eight doubles. However, his defensive versatility, as he has appeared at every position aside from catcher, gives the Dodgers an option to slot around the diamond as needed.

Hernandez also has a track record of producing in the playoffs, having posted a career .272/.339/.486 batting line with 16 homers and 11 doubles over 328 plate appearances. While Hernandez's 2025 offensive struggles carried over to the postseason, he was still trusted enough to start every game of the World Series.

With Hernandez back on a one-year deal, he joins Hyeseong Kim and Miguel Rojas on the Dodgers bench. As the final spot would go to a backup catcher, the Dodgers roster appears to be set for Opening Day, depending on their health during spring training.