Los Angeles Dodgers’ $6.5 Million Veteran Faces Uncertain Free Agency After Elbow Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing uncertainty with one of their most trusted postseason performers. Kike Hernandez, who has been in the spotlight ever since his celebration speech, revealed Saturday that he recently underwent surgery on his left elbow, the same injury that bothered him for much of this season’s campaign. The procedure now puts his free agency and his 2026 plans in question.
The 34-year-old took to Instagram to confirm that he will miss next year’s World Baseball Classic, where he was expected to represent Puerto Rico after undergoing elbow surgery.
“I played until it hurt so much I couldn’t hold a bat. Honestly it was reckless, but I’ve always taken the approach that if I felt I could play I wouldn’t go on the injured list. By the time I had an MRI, it was already a little late,” Hernandez wrote.
Kiké Hernandez will no longer play for Puerto Rico in the WBC after elbow surgery pic.twitter.com/r3Kyw8ZpJC
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) November 15, 2025
“Rehab won’t allow me to be ready in time to put on my uniform with Puerto Rico on my chest. I hope they understand. I LOVE THEM!” Kike added.
Kike appeared in only 93 games during the regular season due to injuries. He finished the year hitting .203 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs.
Free Agent Kike Hernandez Wants To Remain With the Dodgers
Even with a down regular season, Hernandez delivered in the playoffs. He collected 16 hits during the postseason and played a key role in the team’s run to a second straight World Series title, the third championship of his Dodgers career.
His biggest moment came in Game 6 of the World Series, when he made a clutch defensive play in the ninth inning. Hernandez caught Andres Jimenez’s line drive down the left-field line, then fired to second base to complete a game-saving double play. The Dodgers forced a Game 7 and finished the job the next night.
Now the Dodgers veteran, who played last season on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, is once again a free agent. He has said he wants to return to Los Angeles, but the timing of his surgery complicates the situation. The Dodgers will need to know when he can be fully healthy, and that remains unclear.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ $6.5 Million Veteran Faces Uncertain Free Agency After Elbow Surgery
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