Was there ever any doubt? Probably not much, but with Spring Training underway, the Evaders made the seemingly inevitable reunion with Enrique Hernández official. He returns on a one-year contract worth $4.5 million, just slightly less than what he made last season.
He’s baaaaaack. pic.twitter.com/rW9Yq5s19C
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 12, 2026
Speaking of last season, he actually had one of the worst years of his career, hitting .203/.255/.366/.621 and a 72 OPS+, while also missing time due to a left elbow injury. Historically, he has been a lefty killer, but he hasn’t had an OPS over .700 against him since 2022.
So why would a team going for a three-peat re-sign him?
Well, Hernandez still ended up doing his job for the team by playing five different infield positions – plus some hacks as a DH and a bit of pitching on the mound – and he’ll be expected to do that again in 2026.
But most importantly, as we all know, he delivered big moments again in the play-offs.
KIKÉ, DO YOU LOVE ME?#WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/WQx5nFbdXa
— MLB (@MLB) November 1, 2025
His career .272/.339/.486/.826 line in the playoffs will earn him a roster spot, and he was well on his way to another great playoff campaign last year before aggravating the aforementioned. left elbow injury that would later require surgery.
Think so, lol. https://t.co/ll0X0AXRjC pic.twitter.com/lYd1ubvSMF
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) November 16, 2025
Remarkably, it appears that no matter how he performs during the regular season, he will step up in the playoffs and ultimately play a key role for the Dodgers. They bet he’ll do it again.
——
It’s worth noting that as things stand right now, Hernandez becomes a prime candidate to be placed on the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man roster spot due to his injury. But with the playoffs not really in doubt, the Dodgers have the luxury of not optimizing their roster for the 162-game marathon, and his absence there is unlikely to have any consequence.
So yeah, there’s not really much to object to in a deal like this. A proven performer when it matters most, useful to fill the gaps when needed, and intangible as a veteran in the squad coming back for a run at the three-peat. The gang is back together.
Enrique Hernández
MLBPA License
Supports @DodgersDigest
Billboard: https://t.co/vAsivY6cQ5
Senior October: https://t.co/zwY3bULykw
Don’t give a fuck: https://t.co/mgkHI9pXBD pic.twitter.com/KHmUBSJzA6
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) November 7, 2025
#Playoff #hero #glue #man #Enrique #Hernandez #resigns #Dodgers #oneyear #million #deal #Dodgers #Digest