As the 2024-2025 MLB offseason quickly winds down, the New York Yankees are still struggling to address their infield depth issues. Despite not making an attempt to keep second baseman Gleyber Torres—failing even to offer him a qualifying offer—the Yankees have yet to devise a solution and now find themselves needing an infielder before the season kicks off.
Last year, the Yankees tried to sign veteran infielder Enrique “Kiké” Hernández, who already had a World Series title under his belt. However, Hernandez opted to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was in his second stint, enjoying the warmer climate.
Hernández was drafted by the Houston Astros in the sixth round of the 2009 MLB draft out of Puerto Rico’s American Military Academy. After making his MLB debut in 2014, he was traded to the Miami Marlins, and later moved to the Dodgers, where he spent six seasons and won a World Series in 2020.
He then signed with the Boston Red Sox before being traded back to the Dodgers in 2023. Hernández re-signed with the Dodgers for the 2024 season, despite interest from the Yankees, and went on to win his second World Series.
Could the Yankees Revisit Hernandez in 2025?
As the 2025 season approaches, Empire Sports Media founder Alexander Wilson suggested that the Yankees might try again for Hernandez, who is now a free agent at 33 years old and still without a team.
Wilson pointed out that while Hernandez’s 2024 performance wasn’t particularly impressive offensively—posting a .229/.281/.373 line with 12 home runs, 42 RBIs, and a 83 wRC+—his defensive flexibility remains a key asset. Hernández can play virtually every position, which adds value, especially as the Yankees have gaps to fill in the infield.
Baseball analyst John Sparaco of SI.com emphasized Hernandez’s versatility, noting his 304 games at second base and 116 games at third, positions where the Yankees could use reinforcement.
Would It Be Worth It for the Yankees to Sign Hernandez?
With the Yankees still searching for a replacement for Torres and hesitant to make a big free-agent move or trade, signing Hernández could serve as a stopgap solution at least until a more permanent answer is found.
However, Wilson expressed some doubts about whether signing Hernández, who earned $4 million on a one-year deal with the Dodgers, would be the best move for the Yankees.
