Report: Free Agent Utility Player Chooses Dodgers Over Angels

Los Angeles loses out on another free agent.

The Los Angeles Angels will have to look in a different direction to upgrade their roster, as free agent utilityman Kiké Hernández has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernández had previously been listed as a potential option for the Halos.

Superutilityman Kiké Hernandez and the Los Angeles Dodgers are nearing a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal would come on the heels of Manuel Margot trade to Minnesota being finalized. The trade will include cash going from the Dodgers to Twins, according to sources.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 26, 2024

In fact, the Angels were listed as a finalist for the services of Hernández over the weekend. But it simply wasn't meant to be.

Hernández would have served the Angels well, giving them much-needed flexibility and depth across the roster. There was some thought that owner Arte Moreno may look to land Hernández because he is a fan favorite with the Dodgers.

Sources say….. I’m back!!!

1st to break news @myself

— Enrique Hernández (@kikehndez) February 26, 2024

With Hernández back in Los Angeles, the Angels will remain active in adding to the team. They've been linked with some of the top talents on the open market, but nothing has come to fruition just yet.

Names like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and J.D. Martinez all could help improve the team, but it remains to be seen if they will land one. The Angels are determined to remain competitive going forward, and general manager Perry Minasian has looked at multiple avenues for making it happen. 

The team needs to be more proactive, rather than letting deals come to them. Losing out on Hernández is another example, but returning to the Dodgers was always his preference. Once the Dodgers manifested their mutual interest in a reunion, it was a fait accompli. 

The Halos' goal is to break their long playoff drought, which won't be an easy task. There is still time between now and Opening Day, so the Angels conceivably have time to pull the trigger on a big signing.