Angels Reportedly Interested in Free Agent Utility Man, But There’s a Catch

Can the Angels drag this across the finish line?

The Los Angeles Angels have been looking all across the board to bring in more talent this offseason. It's been the big plan from the front office from the start, and they continue to talk with the big-ticket-free agents.

They have looked at guys like starting pitcher Blake Snell and outfielder Cody Bellinger. But so far, nothing has come to fruition with the Halos. 

Another free agent that the Halos have been interested in is utilityman Kiké Hernández. Fans likely know him from his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he would bring some extra energy to the clubhouse.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the team remains interested in Hernández but fears that he could favor a return to the Dodgers.

“The Angels continue to show interest in free agent Kiké Hernández, but fear he prefers a return to the Dodgers, according to a source briefed on the team’s discussions.”

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic

The Dodgers have put together a great offseason, so it makes sense why Hernández would want to return. The Angels may have to heavily overpay for his services if they are to land him.

However, there is a word of caution about Hernández. While he did find some success away from the Dodgers before last season, he struggled heavily with the Boston Red Sox in the first half of 2023.

In 86 games with the Red Sox, Hernández hit just .222 while driving in 31 runs. But once he was traded back to the Dodgers, he hit 262 while driving in 30 runs over 54 games. 

He looked like a completely different hitter with the Dodgers, and the Angels will definitely be looking at the reasons behind this. The team remains interested, but it remains to be seen if they can drag him away from Los Angeles.