Kiké Hernandez's Justin Turner recruiting efforts indicate JT was holding out for Dodgers

Kiké Hernandez went from Los Angeles Dodgers fan favorite to poacher of all former Dodgers/Dodgers free agents. Ever since he departed the 2020 World Series champs to sign with the Boston Red Sox, his recruiting efforts and success have crushed LA fans.

Not that they were upset about his success, necessarily. They just wanted it to continue with the Dodgers, where he was very much an important component of the team's DNA/energy. As for the recruiting efforts, though? We'd rather those stop. Now.

Hernandez played a monumental role in getting Justin Turner to switch coasts and his efforts clearly made a difference. Appearing on the Chris Rose Rotation this week, Hernandez said he texted and called Turner multiple times per day for about a month to pitch him on joining the Red Sox.

Outside of Hernandez's relentlessness, the amount of time it took for JT to make his decision tells us something about the veteran's process. He obviously valued Hernandez's opinion on the matter ... but if the prodding lasted a month, don't you think Turner was still holding out hope the Dodgers would come calling?

It certainly makes sense when you go back and look at how the free agency process unfolded for both sides. Turner said he hardly heard from the Dodgers, who declined his team option for the 2023 season and were more than content with importing JD Martinez at a cheaper price to handle DH duties.

Was Justin Turner putting off Red Sox decision hoping Dodgers would re-sign him?

Turner even previously admitted himself that he was hoping for call that never came. At that point, he realized he had to make a decision for his career, understanding that, at the end of the day, it was just the nature of the business.

Hernandez knows plenty about that. Following the 2020 season, after his efforts in the NLCS directly impacted the Dodgers' run to the World Series, LA told him (as well as Joc Pederson) that the organization was thankful for his contributions and that he should seek free agency deals elsewhere. So much for the good times!

Turner's situation obviously stung more. Hernandez spent six years with the Dodgers and was a bench player, while Turner was a nine-year fixture, postseason legend, and all-time fan favorite.

Had the Dodgers been 10% as persistent as Hernandez, maybe the two sides could've worked out a deal that benefitted both parties. Instead, Hernandez did the all the work for Chaim Bloom, and the Dodgers will be moving forward with a 2023 roster that, as of this moment, leaves a lot to be desired.

Time heals all wounds. So does winning. Just don't share any of the voicemails Hernandez left you, JT.

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