Kike Hernandez Returning to Dodgers for 2026 | MLB News

Dodgers Re-Sign Kike Hernandez for 2026 Season

The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back veteran utility player Kike Hernandez for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the player announced Sunday on social media. Hernandez posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “What else did you expect? Three in a row has a nice ring to it!” signaling his return to the team.

While the Dodgers have not yet officially announced the signing, details released Tuesday confirm a one-year, $6.5 million deal, according to MLB.com. The agreement necessitated placing right-hander Gavin Stone on the 60-day injured list.

Hernandez, a three-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, returns to a team aiming for a historic three-peat. His previous stints with the Dodgers spanned nine seasons, establishing him as a fan favorite known for his versatility and clutch postseason performances.

The 34-year-old Hernandez boasts a career .236 batting average with a .707 OPS across 1,275 regular season games. However, his impact is most keenly felt in the playoffs, where he has a .272 average and an .826 OPS in 103 postseason games. This postseason prowess has cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable players in high-pressure situations.

Hernandez’s return addresses a need for depth within the Dodgers’ roster, particularly among position players. The Dodgers already boast a strong lineup featuring stars in the rotation, outfield (with Kyle Tucker), and infield, as well as an improved bullpen.

However, Hernandez will begin the season on the injured list as he continues to recover from left elbow surgery performed in November 2025. The surgery addressed a completely torn extensor tendon, an injury he played through during the latter part of the 2025 postseason. He anticipates returning to the diamond sometime in May.

“I played [until], basically, I felt like I couldn’t even hold the bat anymore,” Hernandez said, according to Dodgers Nation. “And I mean, it was kind of dumb on my end. But I’ve always felt that if I feel like I could play, I’m not going to go on the IL. By the time we went in for the MRI, it was a little too late.”

The injury also forced Hernandez to withdraw from participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Despite the setback, his commitment to the Dodgers and his track record of delivering in crucial moments make him a valuable addition to the team’s pursuit of another championship.

Hernandez’s return is particularly significant given his history with the organization and his ability to contribute in multiple positions. He is expected to provide experienced leadership and a reliable presence both on and off the field as the Dodgers navigate their quest for a three-peat, a feat not accomplished in Major League Baseball since the early 2000s.