Dodgers Rival Reportedly Interested in Signing Kiké Hernández: Report

Utility man Kiké Hernández played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run, but three months later he is drawing interest from the very team he helped defeat, the New York Yankees.

The New York Post’s Mark W. Sanchez reported the Bombers have checked in on Hernández this winter, indicating the fan favorite’s free agency process, which has been fairly quiet, could get very interesting.

“A source said the Yankees have inquired on Hernandez, whom they also asked about last winter,” Sanchez wrote.

The thought of Hernández in pinstripes is somewhat ironic, especially after his remarks at the World Series parade. During his speech to Dodgers fan, Hernández made sure to call out rapper Fat Joe’s performance ahead of Game 3 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.

“This guy, used to be fat,” Hernández said. “He’s not fat anymore. His name is Joe. We didn’t need to play, because after that performance we had already won.

“They not like us, baby.”

While Dodger Fest takes place Saturday, many fans are still anxious for the Dodgers to bring back Hernández this offseason. Even players have expressed hope for a Dodgers, Hernández reunion.

“I’m praying to God that we can bring Kiké (Hernández) back,” Teoscar Hernández said Monday on Dodgers Territory. “I miss Kiké and I want him to be a Dodger.”

The October hero was candid when he was asked about free agency just a few days after the Fall Classic at a Raising Canes partnership event.

“I would love to be back,” Hernández said. “I truly believe that — we won the World Series a couple days ago — but I truly believe that this team is gonna be even better next year with all the pitching reinforcements.”

Hernández was indeed correct, the Dodgers have fortified their pitching staff adding starting pitchers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki along with relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. While the Dodgers’ blockbuster signings have shocked and awed the baseball world, the defending champions still need to address whether Hernández will return to Los Angeles.

Although Sanchez reported the Yankees have shown interest in the Dodgers fan favorite, he also said Hernández’s most likely landing spot is L.A.

“The most likely destination for Hernandez, though, is probably back in Los Angeles, and the Dodgers will have open roster spots when they are able to slide injured players to the 60-day injured list,” Sanchez wrote.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images