GLENDALE, Ariz. — He’s ba-ack.
Fan favorite and three-time World Series champion with the Dodgers Kiké Hernandez has re-signed with the team for one year and $4.5 million.
Hernandez, 34, became a free agent after last fall’s World Series but was always expected back with the Dodgers. The signing was delayed in order to free up a roster spot during the offseason. The utility player underwent major elbow surgery following the 2025 season and is expected to go on the 60-day injured list as he rehabs for a return at some point in midseason.
Evan Phillips, re-signed on Wednesday, went on the 60-day IL in order to free up a roster spot for Hernandez’s signing. The reliever is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to pitch before July. Right-hander Brock Stewart is another candidate for the 60-day IL. Stewart underwent shoulder surgery in September.
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In other moves Wednesday, left-hander Anthony Banda was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for international bonus pool money. Banda was designated for assignment last week when the Dodgers claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. Rortvedt has since been DFA’d for the second time this offseason.
The Twins will be Banda’s ninth major-league team.
The Dodgers also signed infielder Keston Hiura to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. The Milwaukee Brewers’ first-round draft pick out of UC Irvine in 2017, Hiura was once one of the top-rated prospects in baseball. He reached the majors in 2019 and hit .303 in 84 games with the Brewers, but he has never been able to establish himself in the big leagues. He led the National League in strikeouts (85) and errors by a second baseman (16) while batting just .212 during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Hiura has bounced from the Brewers to the Angels, Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies in the past three seasons.
Pitchers and catchers will hold their first spring workout on Friday. The full squad reports Monday.
