The Los Angeles Dodgers have no shortage of talent on the roster, but many fans are still waiting for utility man Kiké Hernández to return. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman commented on the potential of a reunion with the fan favorite.
“The door will never be closed on Kiké,” Friedman said at Fan Fest Saturday.
Friedman’s remarks certainly bode well for Hernández’s chances of returning to L.A. next season. It was recently reported the New York Yankees inquired about the Dodgers free agent, but Hernández in pinstripes seems unlikely.
Hernández has been candid about desire to return to L.A. throughout his free agency process, so his preferred destination is no secret. The fan favorite also sent a heartfelt message to everyone who has supported him throughout his two stints with the Dodgers.
From the moment I got to L.A., it was a humbling experience for me to have a fanbase that embraces me and loves me the way that they do,” he said via The Shop
. “The support. I’m a guy that I’m probably a better player than what the back of my card says numbers-wise. I bring more to the table than my stats, and the way that they love me, you’d think that I am the best player on the field each and every day I step on a baseball field.”
Once Gavin Lux was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, there appeared to be room for Hernández to return. However, the Dodgers then signed reliever Kirby Yates which has filled the 40-man roster.
Nevertheless, there’s still time for Hernández to make a return and Friedman’s comments should give fans confidence about the utility man’s chances of signing with the Dodgers this winter.
