Los Angeles Dodgers Kike Hernandez Has Elbow Surgery
Sometimes, the price of a championship ring is paid in the operating room. For Los Angeles Dodgers veteran Kiké Hernández, that bill just came due. Fresh off celebrating a second consecutive World Series title, the fan-favorite utility man went under the knife on Friday to repair a torn muscle in his left elbow. The procedure addresses an injury that secretly plagued him for a significant part of the 2025 season, a testament to his grit as the Dodgers made their championship run.
Hernández revealed on Instagram that he had been playing through the pain for about a month before landing on the injured list with left elbow inflammation back on July 7. The issue was more severe than anyone outside the clubhouse knew. The constant grind of playing through the injury ultimately caused the elbow tendon to detach completely from the bone, making the postseason surgery a necessity.
Hernández’s Future with the Los Angeles Dodgers
The surgery adds another layer of uncertainty to Hernández’s offseason. The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after completing a one-year, $6.5 million contract to stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, as he enters the open market, his recovery timeline will be a key factor for any team considering him, including the Dodgers.
Despite the injury limiting him to just 93 games last season, Hernández proved his value when the lights were brightest. He was a fixture in the lineup throughout the postseason, starting every game for the back-to-back champs. While his 24 strikeouts in 17 playoff games were a sign of his struggles, he still managed to hit a respectable .250 and delivered a crucial home run in Game 5 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. That kind of clutch performance is what has defined his career in Dodger blue.
Hernández is more than just a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers; he’s part of the team’s DNA. As a three-time World Series champion with the club (2020, 2024, 2025), he has been a constant presence through the franchise’s most dominant era. Having played 920 games with the team since his initial arrival from Miami, his leadership and energy in the clubhouse are considered just as valuable as his versatility on the field.
What’s Next for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
As the front office looks to build a team capable of a three-peat, Hernández’s situation is one of many moving parts. With Max Muncy returning on a club option, much of the championship core will be back. However, key contributors like Game 7 hero Miguel Rojas are also free agents, leaving holes to be filled.
Even with a roster stacked with stars, the Los Angeles Dodgers have needs in the corner outfield and at second base—positions Hernández has capably filled for years. Given that his injury might lower his market value, the Dodgers could potentially bring him back on a team-friendly deal to continue his role as the ultimate utility player. For a team that values depth and postseason experience, a healthy Kiké Hernández remains a valuable asset, even as he navigates a challenging recovery. His journey back to the field will be one for fans to watch closely this offseason.
