Throughout the Los Angeles Dodgers’ run to winning the 2020 World Series, a number of different players came up with key hits in big spots to help the organization win its first championship since.
One of the biggest hits of the postseason came off the bat of Kiké Hernandez, as he launched a pinch-hit game-tying home run in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. It was instrumental in helping the Dodgers overcome a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Atlanta Braves.
While the Dodgers have had the same core nucleus of players over the last handful of years, and it was great to see them win a championship together in 2020, there may be some changes this offseason.
Hernandez and other key players like Justin Turner, Joc Pederson, Pedro Baez and Blake Treinen are all free agents, and it remains to be seen how many the Dodgers will be able to retain.
According to MLB insider Peter Gammons, Hernandez may only be seeking a one-year contract in free agency:
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
Hernandez came up with a number of huge postseason hits in his time with the Dodgers, and also provided tremendous versatility given his ability to play essentially every defensive position. The Dodgers have other utility type players that can potentially replace him though, which could lead to Hernandez moving on if he receives a more lucrative offer
Given the current economic landscape of the league due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, teams may not be willing to spend much this winter. That is why is could make sense for Hernandez and other free agents to sign one-year contracts, giving them a chance to test free agency again in a year when hopefully the pandemic is in the rearview.
In 48 games for the Dodgers last season, Hernandez hit .230/.270/.410 with five home runs and 20 RBI. He has shown an ability to hit left-handed pitching, which as Gammons alluded to, is why the Minnesota Twins are among the teams reportedly showing interest in him.
Friedman encourages free agents to explore opportunities
While Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has stated that he hopes the team is able to retain some of their free agents, he also wants them to explore every opportunity possible so they can make the best decision for them and their families.
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