Kike Hernandez has opened up about why he choose the LA Dodgers over the NY Yankees in the offseason.

Kike Hernandez (Image via Sportsnet)

Kike Hernandez, the prominent utility player of the Los Angeles Dodgers is now back in South California for his third stint. The 32-year-old re-joined the team on a one-year, $4 million deal from free agency. He has now revealed the reason why he joined the Dodgers despite being “intrigued‘ by the New York Yankees.

These two teams have been super active in the offseason while actively bolstering their squad ahead of the 2024 season. Hernandez was one option that was explored by both sides.

In the end it, came to the player’s decision. Hernandez would choose the Dodgers and announce his return on social media. During an interview with Foul Territory, he explained how the National League team has more left-hand hitters and he knew them more than the Yanks.

I chose the Dodgers because they have a lot of left-handed hitters. Obviously, I have familiarity... The main reason was they were able to guarantee me to start at least against left-handed pitchers to start the year.

Kike Hernandez on why he choose the Dodgers on Foul Territory.

Kike Hernandez blasts free-agency market as several stars still struggle to find teams

The offseason in the MLB this year has produced mixed results. While several huge contracts have been offered to top stars, some big names are still waiting for a new team. Kike Hernandez has now blasted the free-agency market.

Kike Hernandez while playing for the LA Dodgers (Image via Sports Illustrated)
The Puerto Rican star was one of the players looking for a club in the offseason after becoming a free agent. In his conversation with the Foul Territory, he explained how long and slow the process had gone and claimed it was a “shame” that some of the best players are still not signed.

It’s been terrible. There’s still a lot of really good quality baseball players... and the fact that they’re still out there, it’s a shame.

Kike Hernandez on free agent market on Foul Territory.

The system is broken and parity along with it.

— Stony (@spillthewhine) March 1, 2024

Hernandez also alluded teams of collusion during the offseason. This strong claim from him comes after he informed that every team presented the same numbers (deal) to him.

Some of the established free agents that are still without a team are Jordan Montgomery, J.D Martinez and Blake Snell. In this list, the biggest shock comes from Snell.

The 2023 National League Cy Young Award winner has been on the crosshair of the Yankees for quite a while. However, the two parties are finding it difficult to come to a common target and thus agree a deal. With the start of March, the Opening Day is getting closer with no solution in near sight for these free agents. How much long will it take them to land a deal, is something fans are now worried about.