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Dodgers must open checkbook for Kiké Hernández in key offseason

ByAdam Weinrib|
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game Six of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in Game Six of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

The Dodgers must open their checkbook for Kiké Hernández this offseason, even if the price point is slightly uncomfortable.

This offseason, the Dodgers will stare longingly at the potential departure of two intrinsic parts of their championship roster, as both Justin Turner and Kiké Hernández will hit free agency.

Based on both the cost and versatility of both parties, Los Angeles should extend themselves in order to keep Hernández over Turner, even if the price point ends up slightly uncomfortable.

It’s bizarre to consider these two men leaving the roster concurrently. After all, you’re talking about two players who’ve basically been the steady clutch forces for the most dominant team in the National League, except one has long been the roster’s face (Turner) and the other has often faded into the shadows of the narrative except while actually doing his damage.

Could both return to LA? Sure. Possibly. But if the Dodgers have to choose, they should be prepared to pay the younger, more versatile player in Hernández, who will check more boxes in the years to come.

Hernández, still just 29 years old, hasn’t gotten his due as a full-fledged starter despite emerging as essentially an everyday player since 2018.

His appearances shine differently, though, simply because of how many positions he fills. Turner has lobbied for position changes in the past if it’ll help the team sign marquee free agents that would theoretically “block” him; Hernández doesn’t do the same public lobbying. He simply moves where the team instructs him to, effortlessly filling several gaps at once.

What would a Kiké Hernández contract look like for the Dodgers?

Projecting a Hernández deal is difficult, at this point — like we said, he’s faded into the fabric of the roster in every month except October.

But coming off another showcase postseason, four years for the young Hernández at $12-$14 million per doesn’t feel unreasonable, even though a lot of checkbooks will be barren this offseason.

At that projected cost, the Dodgers can’t let him sneak away while most of the conversation is focused on the much older Turner.

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