“I really hope that I’m back next year" - Kike Hernandez on his desire to return to the Dodgers next season

While Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts get most of the attention, the impact that Kike Hernandez had on the LA Dodgers' World Series title cannot be overlooked. The veteran utility delivered in the clutch for the Dodgers throughout the postseason, and does not appear to want his time with the club to come to an end.

The two-time World Series champion's contract came to an end and is now an unrestricted free agent. Given his defensive versatilty and clutch performances in the postseason, he should have no problem finding a new deal somewhere, however, Kike Hernandez is hoping to be donning the LA Dodgers blue in 2025.

On Monday, Hernandez "worked" at a Raising Cane's in Alhambra, California. The event gave Dodgers fans an opportunity to meet and be served by the postseason hero, whose role at the restaurant was both as a fry cook and a cashier.

“I really, really hope that I’m back next year so we can run it back so make sure you guys talk to Friedman and those guys and let them know," - Hernandez said to a group of fans outside of the event he was taking part in.

The 33-year-old utility man may not have been much of a force at the plate throughout the regular season, however, when it came to the pressure of the postseason, he was dangerous for the Dodgers. After posting a .229 batting average in the regular season, Kike Hernandez pushed that number up to .294 in the playoffs.

Hernandez signed a one-year, $4 million deal to join the LA Dodgers before the 2024 campaign. If he does indeed stick with the club, it could be unsurprising to see him sign a new contract in a similar range. Thanks to Shohei Ohtani's heavily-deferred contract, the Dodgers will have plenty of money to play around with this offseason.

Kike Hernandez took a shot at rapper Fat Joe during the Dodgers' World Series celebration

Kike Hernandez has become a fan favorite among Dodgers faithful, and it's easy to see why. Thanks to Kike's energy on the field, and personality off the field, it's clear that he belong with the Dodgers and their fanbase.

This personality was on full display during the team's World Series championship parade and celebration as the veteran took shots at Fat Joe for his performance before Game 3 of the World Series.

"His name is Joe. He came out and sang, and guess what, we didn't need to play anymore because after that performance we had already won," Hernandez said of Fat Joe's performance.

It may have been an unnecessary shot at the New York Yankees and Fat Joe since the Dodgers just clinched the title, however, Kike Hernandez has never been shy about sharing his feelings.