Dodgers fans got a reality check on Tuesday when free agent utility man Kiké Hernandez posted a new photo on his social media accounts. Here’s the offending image.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/SkwLxA6ag4
— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) December 9, 2020
The reality check being Hernandez is, in fact, a free agent. And that’s something that’s sort of new to Dodgers fans over the last half-decade or so. Since 2015, the core of Dodger players has for the greater part stayed together. Certainly, some have come and gone along the way, but look at players like Kiké, Justin Turner, or Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager among others, and there hasn’t been that radical shake-up that most other teams experience.
So here now is Enrique Hernandez, free agent baseball player looking for a job in a depressed market for free agents. Consider this a marketing campaign for the 29-year-old who, according to veteran baseball scribe Peter Gammons, is looking for a 1-year deal to build his stock.
Matchmaking:Twins need multi-position regular, premier defender who hits lefthanded pitching. Kike Hernandez. Wants 1 yr. deal, 500 PA, is elite defender, kills LHP, in ’19 hit .304 third time around against starting pitching.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 5, 2020
Notably, Hernandez has been recently linked to the Minnesota Twins in hot stove rumors. Now, heading into day 3 of the virtual winter meetings, perhaps this simple image helps shake up his market heading into the new year.
Reactions
Understandably, having been a Dodger for the last 6 seasons, Kiké has made a lasting impression on the fan base. With that, many fans took to the comments to share their hurt.
Forever a Dodger to us, Kike. pic.twitter.com/TQiwBYlan2
— Natasha De Alto (@nataintransit) December 9, 2020
Kikè pls ?
— Sue Jo (@suejo825) December 9, 2020
Seriously, you are one of my three favorite Dodgers of all time. I will be super sad if they don’t resign you. In terms of middle infielders who are clutch af in the playoffs, they can’t look any further than you. I’m shocked they didn’t offer you a fat contract.
— Jay Stone #DodgersWorldSeriesChamps20 #Biden4Prez (@JayStone1088) December 9, 2020
Noooooooo!!!!! You gotta stay in LA! ????
— this doyers gal (@la_luna_9) December 9, 2020
Whatever you choose is cool @kikehndez . Thanks for all you did. I hope you get a solid payday for you and your family.
— raul sanchez (@raulnsocal) December 9, 2020
If this was the end of the line for the banana man in blue, he went out on top for sure.
Whatever happens, thank you for everything you did for the Dodger fan base over the years, Enrique.
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