Once a Dodger, always a Dodger, something that former Boston Red Sox Kiké Hernández is experiencing firsthand. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on July 25, 2023, that they had reacquired 31-year-old utility player Kiké Hernández from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for 25-year-old right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson and 26-year-old right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman and $2.5 million in cash. The 2020 World Series Champion, Hernández, is expected to provide the Dodgers with much-needed depth in the infield. Hernández played for the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020 and became one of the franchise’s most beloved player during that period of time.

“Obviously he helped us win a championship and had his best years here in a Dodger uniform,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters of the trade. “I know the fans are excited. He’s got a great relationship with the fans, does a lot of stuff in the community, and I think for us it’s more of… he hasn’t had the best of seasons, but the bet is being back home, the familiarity, kinda can tap back into being the player that we know he can be and that we’ve seen.”

The Dodgers need a strong bat and a good infielder. The San Juan, Puerto Rico native, Kiké, has struggled with his offensive number while wearing the Boston Red Sox jersey the last two seasons, slashing only .222/.286/.330 in 725 plate appearances. The Right-handed batter Kiké has been more successful at hitting against left-handed pitchers this season with a batting average of .260/.314/.338. The Dodgers manager Dave Roberts knows Kiké’s batting struggles, and the hitting staff already has a plan to help him succeed. 

“He’s a Swiss Army knife,” Roberts added. “I still stand by he’s one of the most talented baseball players I’ve been around. I’m excited to see him blend in with this ball club. It’s a very unselfish group, team-first-oriented.”

Welcome Back Kiké, you look great in Dodger Blue. Now let’s go win another ring!

Let’s Play Ball!

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