Dodgers fans are on edge as the team's utility player, Kiké Hernández, remains a free agent despite the start of spring training. Hernández's non-committal responses to questions about his future with the Dodgers have left fans in a state of uncertainty. This isn't the first time Hernández has played with the fans' emotions; in 2024, he recycled a farewell video from 2020, causing a brief panic before announcing his re-signing.
The Dodgers' patience with Hernández's slow-moving market strategy is notable. They have been assured of his return, along with Evan Phillips', and have re-signed Phillips despite his recent Tommy John surgery. Hernández's recent elbow surgery will keep him out of the World Baseball Classic and a portion of the major league season. While this might be a cause for concern, it suggests the Dodgers are biding their time, waiting to see how the roster evolves.
Hernández's value is likely to be somewhere between his 2024 and 2025 salaries, which were $4 million and $6.5 million, respectively. However, the Dodgers aren't in a rush to re-sign him, as they know he won't be available for the entire season. This strategy aligns with Hernández's clear priority, and any potential deal will likely require a firm 'no' from another team to materialize. Fans are advised to remain calm, as the team's patience and strategic approach suggest a well-thought-out plan for the upcoming season.
