Dodgers could lose Kiké Hernandez to American League contender

Dodgers free agent Kiké Hernandez could have a new home relatively soon.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been atop the National League for quite a while, and Enrique Hernandez has been a constant with the team since 2015. He’s been there for the playoff lows (losing to the magical Mets in 2015 and the cheating Houston Astros in 2017) and the highs (the 2020 World Series run, obviously).

He’s also felt like a key part of the team even though he hasn’t been a full-time player or star that put LA over the edge. However, his defensive versatility, propensity for coming through in big moments, and fun/outgoing personality helped define the Dodgers in a sense.

Now that he’s a free agent, there’s a good chance he could leave Los Angeles, and the latest reports suggest that’s already in motion as the Minnesota Twins have expressed interest in the veteran.

The Twins are set to lose a number of free agents themselves, so a move for Hernandez would be big for them in terms of replacing a guy like Marwin Gonzalez, who played multiple positions on defense, brought a reliable bat to the plate, and served as a mentor for the younger players.

And unfortunately for Dodgers fans, the fit with the Twins seems almost perfect for Hernandez. On top of that, LA doesn’t seem overly keen on bringing him back, especially with Gavin Lux expected to take on an expanded role in 2021 and Chris Taylor (who’s a similar Swiss Army knife-type player) under contract for one more year at nearly $8 million.

The urgency for the Twins to add players is greater, too. They want to remain in control in the AL Central with the upstart White Sox on their tails, but could possibly lose guys like Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Eddie Rosario and Jake Odorizzi, whereas the Dodgers are pretty much fine coming off a World Series victory and still in control of the NL West.

The Dodgers no doubt value Hernandez, but a team like the Twins might more given their pressing situation. LA has the depth to get by if Hernandez leaves and the front office isn’t going to get in a bidding war with someone else to keep him. There’s a reason Andrew Friedman said he told the team’s free agents to explore other options on the open market.

It’s understandable tough for some to come to terms with, but this is just more evidence Hernandez’s time in Los Angeles is nearing its end.

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