Dodgers Rumors: Kiké Hernández free agency, Kenley Jansen trade rumors

The Dodgers are less than two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Camelback Ranch, but it seems that they're still not done adding to the team. Although their signing of starter James Paxton will fill the roster to capacity when it's finalized, rumors say that at least one bullpen arm will get a contract soon. The future of a former Dodger and fan favorite also seems a bit nebulous, as he might be gunning for a return this upcoming season.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic dropped a few Dodgers nuggets (subscription required) in his latest rumors/news round-up. Here's what you need to know.

Fan favorite Kiké Hernández holding out for a return to Dodgers?

A Kiké-Dodgers reunion has seemed out of the cards for some time now, since they signed Teoscar Hernández and kicked Chris Taylor to the bench alongside Miguel Rojas, giving them more than enough backup options for the infield. Rumors have since surfaced about the Angels' interest in Kiké, as they do have a second baseman with promise in Luis Rengifo, but less reliable options at shortstop and third with youngster Zach Neto and Anthony Rendon, who apparently hates baseball.

However, Rosenthal reported that the Angels "fear [Hernández] prefers a return to the Dodgers." This doesn't necessarily have to mean anything on the Dodgers' side; Hernández could be pursuing a reunion, but the team could be resistant to it. However, if he is eager to return and is willing be taken at a discount, might the Dodgers let Rojas go to give Hernández his seat on the bench? They have comparable bats and Rojas may be the better defensive infielder, but Hernández is more versatile across the field and there's a lot of love still in LA for him.

Kenley Jansen-Dodgers connection intensifies with insider's newest report

A possible Jansen-Dodgers reunion was proposed by Jon Heyman a few weeks ago, and he was mentioned again by Rosenthal -- along with fellow former Dodger Ryan Brasier, who pitched a brilliant 38 2/3 innings for a 0.70 ERA for the team last year after starting the season in the minor leagues (which is what we're calling Boston these days [half-kidding]). Jansen was a Dodger for the first 12 years of his career before they let him go to the Braves in free agency in 2022. He signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox for the 2023 and 2024 seasons and is still owed $16 million for '24.

Getting Jansen back would be a bit of a calculated risk; he's 36 and wasn't quite as dominant for Atlanta and Boston as he was in his last year for LA, but the Dodgers did just sign 35-year-old James Paxton, who was hurt for all of 2022, so it seems that they are willing to take age-related risks. After losing out on the Josh Hader bidding, if the Dodgers are still looking for a high-leverage, veteran reliever, and Jansen could be their best remaining option if the Red Sox are open to a trade and demanding more salary relief.