Enrique Hernández #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Phillies’ Lineup Needs an Overhaul: Could Kiké Hernández Be the Answer?
The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the 2025 season with a clear mandate: fix a lineup that has repeatedly faltered in the postseason. After a third consecutive playoff run ended in disappointment due to untimely offensive struggles, team president Dave Dombrowski has been vocal about the need for changes. Yet, outside of adding Max Kepler, a move met with skepticism, no major overhaul has occurred—leaving fans wondering what’s next.
One area of concern is the Phillies’ outfield, which remains thin even after Kepler’s arrival. To address this, Eno Sarris of The Athletic has proposed an intriguing solution: signing veteran super-utility player Kiké Hernández.
Hernández: A Reliable, Versatile Option
Hernández, a two-time World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is set to hit free agency at 33 years old. While not a star, Hernández has earned a reputation as a dependable and versatile contributor who thrives in high-pressure situations.
“But would a player like Kiké Hernández make more sense?” Sarris questioned while evaluating the unproven Weston Wilson’s potential role in the Phillies’ lineup. “He’s more of a sure thing offensively and rated as a positive defensively at all of his positions. He could come into games late to spell Castellanos and keep the outfield defense above water, and he’d generally be available at any position should the need arise.”
Hernández’s ability to play both infield and outfield positions, combined with his postseason pedigree, makes him an appealing option for a team looking to strengthen its depth.
The Cost Factor
However, signing Hernández wouldn’t come without complications. The Phillies are already operating under the constraints of the luxury tax, meaning every dollar spent on the veteran would essentially double. Despite this, Sarris argues that the benefits Hernández could bring to a team aiming for an October breakthrough might outweigh the financial strain.
Hernández’s recent one-year, $4 million deal with the Dodgers in 2024 underscores his affordability, especially for a player with 11 years of MLB experience. He’s not a flashy signing, but his reliability, defensive versatility, and winning mentality could be invaluable to a Phillies clubhouse looking for an edge in the postseason.
A Winning Mentality
Hernández has long been known for his October heroics, playing a critical role in the Dodgers’ World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. While his career batting numbers won’t turn heads, his ability to deliver in clutch moments could provide a spark for a Phillies team that’s struggled when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
Hernández wouldn’t solve all the Phillies’ issues, nor would he dramatically change the team’s trajectory. But as a “glue guy,” he could fill critical gaps and provide stability in the lineup and on the bench.
For a team desperate to finally get over the hump, bringing in a player like Hernández—who has consistently delivered on baseball’s biggest stage—might be the under-the-radar move that pays dividends when the lights are brightest.
Philadelphia would be wise to consider him. After all, October success often hinges on players like Kiké Hernández.
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