Free Agent Utility Player Chooses Dodgers Over Padres
Free agent utility player Kiké Hernández is reportedly returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2024 season, as first reported by The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. This is rather than Hernández signing with the San Diego Padres. The deal with the Dodgers is likely to be for one year.
Hernández reportedly had narrowed his search down to four final teams he was interested in signing with as of this weekend. The Padres were one of those teams along with the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and Minnesota Twins. After remaining a free agent late into the offseason to wait for the right deal and situation, it looked like Hernández was headed for one those teams soon.
Instead, Hernández returns to the Dodgers. Hernández played for the Dodgers in 2023 and from 2015-2020, where he helped the team win a World Series title.
This is, of course, a disappointing turn of events for the Padres, who could have used a player as versatile as Hernández. Hernández has played practically every position throughout his career, except for first base and catcher.
Hernández would have been a great addition to San Diego, but clearly wanted to return to Los Angeles.
Now, the Padres will face to prepare to face Hernández multiple times again this season as he plays for one of the Padres' division rivals.
