Dodgers Keep Door Open for enrique Hernandez Return
the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t closed the book on a reunion with fan favourite utility man Enrique Hernandez. General Manager Brandon Gomes confirmed at the team’s recent fanfest event that “the door remains open” for Hernandez to return for the 2025 season.
Gomes’ comments come on the heels of reports linking Hernandez to the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old, a familiar face in Los Angeles after spending parts of eight seasons with the Dodgers, is a career .240/.307/.416 hitter in a Dodgers uniform.
Hernandez first played for the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020 before departing for the Boston Red Sox in free agency. He was reacquired by the Dodgers at the 2023 trade deadline and played well in a bench role for the remainder of the season. last winter, he re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $4 million deal amidst interest from several other teams, including the Yankees.
Roster Crunch Presents a Challenge
While Hernandez’s performance and popularity make him a desirable target, the Dodgers face a roster crunch, particularly in the outfield and infield. recently signed infielder hyeseong Kim and center fielder Andy Pages are currently the only position players on the projected roster who can be optioned to the minor leagues.
Pages, enjoying a solid rookie season in 2024, could find himself squeezed out with hernandez’s potential return. While Hernandez may not possess the same offensive upside as Pages,he offers late-game versatility and strong hitting against left-handed pitching.
If the Dodgers aim to retain both Hernandez and Pages, veteran utility player Chris Taylor could be the most likely candidate to lose his roster spot. Taylor, currently in the final year of his four-year contract, struggled mightily in 2024, posting a .202/.298/.300 batting line.
How does the Dodgers’ roster crunch impact the potential return of Enrique Hernandez?
Dodgers Keep Door Open for enrique Hernandez Return
the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t closed the book on a reunion with fan favorite utility man Enrique Hernandez. General Manager Brandon Gomes confirmed at the team’s recent fanfest event that “the door remains open” for Hernandez to return for the 2025 season.
gomes’ comments come on the heels of reports linking Hernandez to the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old, a familiar face in Los Angeles after spending parts of eight seasons with the Dodgers, is a career .240/.307/.416 hitter in a Dodgers uniform.
Hernandez frist played for the Dodgers from 2015 to 2020 before departing for the Boston Red Sox in free agency. He was reacquired by the Dodgers at the 2023 trade deadline and played well in a bench role for the remainder of the season. last winter, he re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $4 million deal amidst interest from several other teams, including the Yankees.
Roster Crunch Presents a Challenge
While Hernandez’s performance and popularity make him a desirable target, the Dodgers face a roster crunch, particularly in the outfield and infield. recently signed infielder hyeseong Kim and center fielder Andy Pages are currently the only position players on the projected roster who can be optioned to the minor leagues.
Pages, enjoying a solid rookie season in 2024, could find himself squeezed out with hernandez’s potential return. While Hernandez may not possess the same offensive upside as Pages,he offers late-game versatility and strong hitting against left-handed pitching.
If the Dodgers aim to retain both Hernandez and Pages, veteran utility player Chris Taylor could be the most likely candidate to lose his roster spot. Taylor, currently in the final year of his four-year contract, struggled mightily in 2024, posting a .202/.298/.300 batting line.
Q&A
Q: why are the Dodgers considering bringing back Enrique Hernandez?
A: Hernandez is a fan favourite who brings versatility and experience to the team.His strong performance against left-handed pitching makes him a valuable asset off the bench.
Q: What’s the main challenge to re-signing Hernandez?
A: The Dodgers have a roster crunch, especially in the outfield and infield. Bringing back Hernandez could perhaps mean saying goodbye to another player, like promising rookie Andy Pages.
Q: Could Chris Taylor’s roster spot be in jeopardy?
A: Given Taylor’s struggles in 2024 and the team’s need for roster flexibility, he could be the odd man out if the Dodgers decide to bring back Hernandez.
Could Hernandez be back in Dodger Blue? Only time will tell,but one thing’s for sure: the Dodgers’ front office has some tough decisions to make.
