Dodgers should look to extend Kiké Hernandez this winter

With the Dodgers postseason journey being cut short, many moves must be made in the offseason to determine the fate of several players.

With free agents and a few retiring, fans are hopeful the front office will make the right moves. The fate of Kiké Hernandez whose contract is up after the 2020 season could be decided this offseason depending on if the Dodgers extend him.

Hernandez was traded to the Dodgers in 2015 and has appeared in 600 games with the team. Over those years he hit .240 with an OPS of .742. He has racked up 368 hits and 63 home runs during his time in Dodger blue.

When the 2019 season began, manager Dave Roberts had faith in Hernandez and made him the everyday starting second baseman. This showed that Hernandez had proven great consistency with the team, and they had enough confidence to make him an everyday starter.

It was clear that Hernandez had his ups and downs during the season. Like most players, he would get really hot with the bat and slowly start to slump. However, he would always come back to prove he was worthy of the starting position. He hit .237 on the year and had 17 home runs with a WAR of 1.5.

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The biggest reason as to why the Dodgers should extend Hernandez, his versatility. As a utility player, he has played every position on the field except for catcher. He is a go-to type of guy that is reliable defensively in any position. He’s proven to be valuable in any outfield position, as well as the middle infield spots as well.  He’s also delivered in October when his number was called.

In the most recent NLDS, Hernandez hit .429 with three RBI and also made extraordinary defensive plays. Although his overall stats are not what you would consider great, he certainly knows when to come in clutch for the team. He was able to provide the relief many players needed off the bench.

Hernandez brings much more to the game than just at-bats and great defense, he brings passion. In the dugout, you can also find him cheering on and bringing something special to his teammates. Much like rookie Alex Verdugo, there is this energy brought to the table that really rallies the team together, which is something to value in this organization.

As the Dodgers look to add to the team, the front office should highly consider extending Hernandez. His consistency and versatility will be most valuable to the team, especially with a familiar face.