REUNION TOUR CONTINUES: AFTER ROJAS, ALL EYES TURN TO KIKÉ
LOS ANGELES, CA—The band is getting back together, but the timing is everything. After the Los Angeles Dodgers officially secured Miguel Rojas for a final one-year “farewell tour,” the spotlight has shifted to the ultimate October wildcard: Enrique “Kiké” Hernández. While rival teams are hunting for everyday starters, the Dodgers are reportedly playing a much more patient, “clever” game. According to insiders at Dodgers Nation and The Athletic, Los Angeles is currently lining up a move to bring Kiké back on a deal that balances his value in the clubhouse with a strategic injury-timing window.
THE “SPRING TRAINING” STRIKE: WHY THE DELAY?
The delay in an official announcement isn’t due to lack of interest. It’s about roster gymnastics. Kiké recently revealed that the elbow surgery he underwent in November was more severe than initially thought—a full extensor repair after the tendon tore completely off the bone.
- The 60-Day IL Strategy: By waiting until the start of Spring Training to sign Kiké, the Dodgers can immediately place him on the 60-day Injured List. This allows them to keep him in the organization for rehab without burning a valuable 40-man roster spot during the critical early months of the 2026 season.
- The Return Window: Hernández is expected to miss the first month or two of the 2026 campaign. This aligns perfectly with the Dodgers’ goal of having him fresh and healthy for the “second half” and, more importantly, the postseason.
- The Emotional Anchor: President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman hasn’t hidden his intentions, recently stating: “We’ll never shut the door on Kiké.”
THE “OCTOBER TRUST” FACTOR
Why go to these lengths for a player who hit .203 in the 2025 regular season? Because in Los Angeles, the regular season is just the dress rehearsal.
| The Kiké Context | 2025 Regular Season | The “October” Standard |
| Batting Average | .203 | .250 (Postseason) |
| Clutch Moment | 12 Home Runs | Game 5 World Series HR (Only LA Run) |
| Versatility | 6 Positions Played | The ultimate “emergency glass” for Dave Roberts. |
| Clubhouse Role | Bench Utility | The “Swag” Leader and defensive stabilizer. |
A FINANCIAL “DROP IN THE BUCKET”
In the wake of the $69 million Edwin Díaz deal and a projected 2026 payroll nearing $359 million, a one-year pact for Kiké (likely in the $4M–$6M range) is a minor line item for the Dodgers. For ownership, the ROI (Return on Investment) isn’t just in the stats—it’s in the “October trust” that Kiké has earned over nine seasons in Dodger Blue.
THE VERDICT: THE BANANA IS STAYING
Fans have already noted that Kiké’s social media presence remains stubbornly Dodger-centric. Unlike previous free agencies where he used “question mark” imagery, his current profile shows him triumphantly holding the World Series trophy in Dodgers gear.
The message is clear: The Dodgers are prioritizing loyalty and strategic depth over “win-now” flashy signings. With Rojas back and Kiké looming in the wings, the 2026 Dodgers aren’t just building a roster; they’re preserving a championship culture.
