MLB insider explains need for Kike Hernandez in Dodgers' lineup ft. future HOFers Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts

After winning the World Series in 2024 with the LA Dodgers, utilityman Kike Hernandez is awaiting to hear an offer this offseason, with some reckoning the club will bring him back.

Hernandez has been an integral part of both World Series titles the Dodgers have won this decade. Even though his numbers may not be that great, his clubhouse presence and active energy keeps everyone joyous. MLB insider Buster Olney thinks that's worth something to bring him back for.

Olney drew parallels from the 1998 Yankees team, citing the importance of role players to explain Hernandez's contribution to the Dodgers. When asked how important it's for the Dodgers, who have the likes of future Hall of Famers Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, to bring Hernandez back, Olney said:

"Incredibly important," Olney said on Dodgers Dugout podcast (17:23 onwards). "Again, you know, my experience covering an all-time great team was that '98 Yankees team.

"I think guys like Luis Sojo, Tim Raines, and Daryl Strawberry—who, at that time, wasn’t the MVP Daryl Strawberry but a part-time player—were really important. What separated that team was its depth. That’s what the Dodgers potentially have."

Olney feels the Dodgers need a personality like Kike Hernandez to keep the mojo high within the clubhouse when things aren't going their way.

"To have personalities that bring energy to the park — positive energy, like Kike — that’s incredibly important," Olney added.

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Teoscar Hernandez wants Dodgers to re-sign Kike Hernandez

The best testimony of someone's impact beyond the scoresheet is given by their teammates. For Kike Hernandez, his Dodger teammate, Teoscar Hernandez, can attest to that.

Teoscar, who signed a three-year, $66 million, contract with the Dodgers this offseason, wished on the “Dodgers Territory,” podcast that the Dodgers will re-sign Kike Hernandez.

“Hopefully. I’m praying to God that we can bring Kike back. I miss Kike, and I want him to be a Dodger,” Teoscar said last week.

That's what Buster Olney was trying to prove about the impact of Hernandez on the ballclub. He brings something more out of the moment, and with the team studded with talent, there's always space for a cherished personality.