Kiké Hernandez appearing in ad wearing Dodgers gear hinting at reunion?

Though Kiké Hernandez revived himself a bit after leaving the Boston Red Sox in a trade to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, fans learned earlier this month why the versatile slugger was off his game for most of 2023: he needed double hernia surgery a few weeks ago. Ouch.

Now a free agent, Hernandez is looking to start fresh in 2024 with a healthy, clean slate as he enters his age-32 season. Where will that be? Some Dodgers fans think he'll be back in LA while others believe an upgrade is necessary.

Now that the Dodgers' 40-man roster is full after they re-signed Jason Heyward, a lot of maneuvering is needed to get Hernandez back in the fold because one would have to assume there are at least a few other free agent signings (and trade acquisitions) on the way.

If the Dodgers learned anything in 2023, it's that their overachieving roster wasn't enough to fight mightier October battles, and it didn't help that pretty much their entire pitching staff was decimated along the way. Their much stronger roster couldn't get the job done in 2022, either.

But you know what? Hernandez, historically, has been one of the team's top postseason performers. And he was again this year. There's value in him coming back as a bench player because we know manger Dave Roberts will find enough playing time for him. And we might've gotten a hint that's inching closer toward a reality.

Hernandez posted an ad on his Instagram Wednesday afternoon -- one with him pictured wearing Dodgers gear. Either the ink dried super late on this deal with New Era, or we just uncovered a free agency clue.

Yes, please, distract us from the rumors of Philadelphia's interest in Hernandez, especially after the Phils re-upped with Aaron Nola and have maintained one of the best rosters in the sport without having to do much of anything this offseason.

Kiké Hernandez appearing in ad wearing Dodgers gear hinting at reunion?

Then again, one Dodgers insider did suggest Hernandez had a very good chance of returning, and if he hasn't signed anywhere yet, then it's very possible his current situation is a lot different from his free agency after the 2020 season when the front office pretty much told him to seek employment elsewhere. Andrew Friedman has a lot of planning to do, so there might be a handshake agreement in place with Hernandez as the team settles the score at the Winter Meetings.

As for the hat on Hernandez's IG? Eh, we'd probably say leave the wool plaid at home. Even if it is the holiday season.