For Kike Hernandez, the 2024 offseason has likely been a rather sweet one. While the sense of accomplishment from winning the World Series has been palpable, the time with family - as with all MLB players - is most precious of all.
On Saturday, Hernandez' wife Mariana Vicente took to Instagram to show off their adorable daughter Penelope's outfit. As the toddler - who turns four in January - held her dad's hand, she also had the chance to debut a cute, but chic outfit that relied on an all-white color scheme.
Married in 2021, Penelope is the only child shared by Kike Hernandez and his wife Mariana. The winner of Miss Universe Puerto Rico in 2010, Vicente is well-known in Latin circles. A native of San Juan like her husband, Mariana placed in the top ten at the 2010 Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 2024 season saw Kike Hernandez win his second career World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fourteen postseason games this October, Hernandez hit .294/.357/.461 with two home runs and six RBIs. His utility play in the outfield also drew high praise.
"Kiké Hernandez always spittin facts. #LetsGoDodgers" - Dodgers Muse
Hernandez's first career World Series victory came in 2020 when the Dodgers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays. After a hiatus in Boston, Hernandez returned to the LA lineup in 2023. His experience and exposure to high-stakes situations undoubtedly played a role in the Dodgers' clubhouse during their 2024 postseason run.
For Kike Hernandez, Mariana and Penelope are two of his biggest fans. Throughout both the regular season and postseason, the pair were often seen cheering on Kike at Dodger Stadium and beyond.
Kike Hernandez hopes to return to LA
Although Hernandez became a free agent after the World Series, many believe that LA GM Brandon Gomes will do what he can to get the Puerto Rican back. As Hernandez himself told the media after October's Fall Classic:
“I would love to be back, I truly believe that — we won the World Series a couple days ago — but I truly believe that this team is gonna be even better next year with all the pitching reinforcements.”
With the GM meetings having ended, Hernandez remains a free agent. However, according to some insider musings, that may not be the case for very much longer.