The reunion that was clamored for by fans came to fruition officially on February 11, 2025, with Kiké Hernández signing a one-year contract with the Dodgers worth $6.5 million.
Hernández was a key contributor to the Dodgers postseason run to a championship, hitting .294/.357/.451 with two home runs and starting the final 13 games of October.
During the regular season, Hernández hit .229/.281/.373 with 12 home runs and an 83 wRC+ while starting games at third base, left field, first base, second base, shortstop, and center field. His production improved greatly after the All-Star break, which coincided with wearing eyeglasses while playing for the first time, to correct an astigmatism. Over the final two and a half months of 2024, Hernández hit .274/.307/.458 with a 112 wRC+.
During the Dodgers’ fan fest at Dodger Stadium on February 1, fans were chanting “Kiké, Kiké, Kiké,” imploring the team to sign the free agent utility player. That prompted Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman to say on stage at the event, “The door will never be closed on Kíké.”
Eight days later, Hernández announced his return on Instagram with a video montage, a picture of his right hand with his middle finger raised and a championship ring on his ring finger, plus the caption, “Walking through the open door! #26thMan”
To make room for Hernández on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed pitcher Gavin Stone on the 60-day injured list.