DONE DEAL: The Dodgers’ fans are incensed as the team formally revealed Kiké Hernández’s departure to the Cincinnati Reds on a “lucrative” five-year contract with an opt-out after the first few years….

DONE DEAL: The Dodgers’ fans are incensed as the team formally revealed Kiké Hernández’s departure to the Cincinnati Reds on a “lucrative” five-year contract with an opt-out after the first few years….

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Dodgers fanbase, Kiké Hernández has officially left the team after inking a “lucrative” five-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds. The deal, which includes an opt-out clause after a few years, marks a significant shift in the Dodgers’ roster as they say goodbye to one of their most beloved players. For many fans, this departure is not just about the loss of a talented athlete, but the end of an era for a player who became a symbol of grit, versatility, and passion.

Hernández, who spent a majority of his career with the Dodgers after initially being traded from the Miami Marlins in 2014, had grown into a fan favorite due to his dynamic personality and his ability to perform in clutch moments. His versatility on the field, playing multiple positions with ease, earned him the title of a “super utility” player—a role that has become invaluable in modern baseball. But it wasn’t just his on-field play that endeared him to Los Angeles fans; his infectious energy, fiery spirit, and leadership in the clubhouse made him a beloved figure in the city.

However, the Dodgers’ decision to let Hernández walk in free agency has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many loyal supporters. For the past several seasons, fans had come to expect the reliable presence of Hernández in key moments, whether it was stepping up to the plate in October or filling in at nearly every infield and outfield position. His ability to shine in postseason play, particularly during the 2020 World Series run, solidified his legacy as one of the team’s most valuable players in recent years. To many fans, it feels like a betrayal—a decision based on business rather than sentimentality.

The five-year contract with the Reds, while not yet officially revealed in terms of financial specifics, has been described as “lucrative” by various sports outlets. The opt-out clause included in the deal gives Hernández a degree of flexibility, allowing him to test free agency again in a few years if his performance continues to be strong. This type of contract structure is not uncommon in today’s MLB, but for Dodgers fans, it only adds to the frustration. Many fans had hoped the team would find a way to retain him, given his role as both a contributor on the field and a fan favorite.

The Dodgers’ front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, has been under scrutiny for a series of decisions that appear to prioritize long-term financial flexibility over retaining key pieces of the team’s championship-caliber core. The departure of Hernández, combined with other high-profile exits and acquisitions, has raised questions about the team’s strategy moving forward. While the Dodgers remain one of the top teams in baseball, many fans are worried that the team is beginning to lose its identity by parting ways with players like Hernández—who not only performed on the field but also embodied the spirit of Los Angeles.

For Hernández, the move to Cincinnati presents a new opportunity to establish himself as a leader in a younger, rebuilding Reds organization. It’s a chance for him to carve out a more prominent role, something that may have been harder to do in the star-studded lineup of the Dodgers. However, for Los Angeles fans, his departure will always feel like a difficult goodbye to a player who was more than just a name on the roster; he was part of the heartbeat of the team.

As the Dodgers move forward, they will have to contend with the void left by Hernández’s absence. Whether they can fill that gap with new acquisitions or homegrown talent remains to be seen. But for now, the departure of Kiké Hernández stands as a stark reminder of the business side of baseball, and the heartbreak that often accompanies the sport’s constant state of flux. For many, it will be hard to imagine the Dodgers without him.