Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández was reportedly not pleased with the timing of his contract announcement, which coincided with Super Bowl Sunday. The veteran player, who rejoined the Dodgers on a one-year deal, had hoped for a more focused moment to celebrate his return rather than being overshadowed by the biggest sporting event of the year.
According to sources, Hernández was caught off guard when the Dodgers decided to make the news public during the Super Bowl, an event that dominates media coverage and social media discussions. While the team may have seen it as a strategic move to capitalize on high engagement, Hernández allegedly felt the timing downplayed the significance of his return to the team.
The 33-year-old, known for his versatility in the field and his clutch postseason performances, played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship run. After spending time with the Boston Red Sox, he was traded back to Los Angeles last season and contributed to the team’s playoff success.
Despite his initial frustration, Hernández remains excited to rejoin the Dodgers as they prepare for the upcoming season. His defensive flexibility and veteran leadership will be key assets as the team looks to make another deep postseason run.
The Dodgers have yet to comment on whether the timing of the announcement was intentional, but fans are thrilled to see Hernández back in Dodger blue.
Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kiké Hernández was reportedly unhappy with the timing of his contract announcement, which coincided with Super Bowl Sunday. The veteran, who has been a fan favorite in Los Angeles for years, had hoped for a more dedicated moment to celebrate his return. Instead, the news of his one-year contract with the Dodgers was lost in the overwhelming media coverage of the NFL’s biggest night.
According to sources close to the situation, Hernández was caught off guard when the Dodgers decided to make his signing public during the Super Bowl. While the organization may have believed the timing would generate engagement, Hernández reportedly felt that it minimized the significance of his return. Instead of being the center of attention among Dodgers fans, his announcement was buried under a wave of football-related discussions, commercials, and halftime show reactions.
For a player who has had such a deep connection with the Dodgers and their fanbase, the moment of re-signing should have been a major celebration. However, the decision to unveil the news during a time when sports media was overwhelmingly focused on the Super Bowl left Hernández feeling sidelined.
Hernández, 33, has played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ success over the years. He was an integral part of their 2020 World Series championship team and remained a key contributor before joining the Boston Red Sox in free agency. After spending two and a half seasons in Boston, he was traded back to the Dodgers in 2023, where he once again made a significant impact, especially in the postseason.
During the 2024 season, Hernández played in 126 games, posting a .654 OPS. While those numbers were not his best, he elevated his game in the playoffs, putting up an impressive .808 OPS over 14 games. His ability to play multiple positions—both in the infield and outfield—makes him a valuable piece for the Dodgers as they aim to make another deep playoff run in 2025.
Despite his initial frustration over the timing of the announcement, Hernández is reportedly excited to get back to work with his teammates. With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training this week, the focus will soon shift back to baseball, where Hernández will play a key role in the Dodgers’ pursuit of another championship.
Neither Hernández nor the Dodgers have publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the announcement, but fans are thrilled to see the versatile player back in Dodger blue. As the 2025 season approaches, the excitement surrounding his return is expected to grow, even if the initial announcement was overshadowed by the spectacle of the Super Bowl.
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