Kiké Hernández Turned Down Yankees to Sign New Dodgers Contract in MLB Free Agency

Doric SamFebruary 29, 2024

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After re-signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers this week, outfielder Kiké Hernández revealed that another big-market team was also in the mix.

While speaking on the Foul Territory podcast, Hernández said he turned down an offer from the New York Yankees to remain on the West Coast.

Foul Territory @FoulTerritoryTV”It came down to @Dodgers or @Yankees”@kikehndez reveals the teams that bid on him during free agency and breaks down why he chose to stay with in LA, rather than relocate to The Bronx.

▶️ https://t.co/Bq4eQzPtsX pic.twitter.com/ThxFmOF8X2

The Dodgers signed Hernández to a one-year, $4 million deal on Monday and traded away outfielder Manuel Margot to the Minnesota Twins along with prospect Rayne Doncon in exchange for prospect Noah Miller.

Hernández went on to explain that he felt more comfortable staying in a familiar situation, especially considering that he had already missed a portion of spring training.

“I chose the Dodgers because they have a lot of left-handed hitters. Obviously, I have familiarity, I was already late to spring so I didn’t have to pack my bags and fly to Florida and all that and then move my family across the country. Dodgers being here in Arizona was convenient,” he said.

In addition to the convenience of staying with Los Angeles, Hernández was presented with the chance for more playing time than he would have received in New York.

“The main reason was they were able to guarantee me to start at least against left-handed pitchers to start the year, and from there on, anything can happen,” he said. “The Yankees have a really good lineup as well, just like the Dodgers, but they have a lot of right-handed hitters, and their lefties are not platoon guys.”

Hernández played 54 games for the Dodgers in 2023 after being traded from the Boston Red Sox and hit .262 with five home runs and 30 RBI.