Former Red Sox Player Can Bolster Postseason Legacy In World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers return to the World Series behind a stacked roster assembled with MLB’s highest payroll. Yet an unheralded utility player continues to produce key moments in October.
Kiké Hernández is a career .236/.305/.403 hitter through 12 career regular seasons, but he routinely ups his game under the brightest spotlights. The Boston Red Sox witnessed his October prowess first-hand when Hernández crushed five home runs with a 1.260 OPS during the 2021 postseason.
Hernández has made nine other playoff trips with the Dodgers, and the 34-year-old will look to earn his third ring when the National League champions play the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. The role player has emerged as a postseason staple for the juggernaut.
In 299 playoff plate appearances, Hernández has batted .282/.356/.508 with 15 home runs. He’s continued that trend this postseason, hitting .306/.375/.417 as an everyday starter after notching a .621 OPS in a limited role during the regular season.
Hernández reflected on his playoff success with USA Today’s Gabe Lacques before the World Series.
“These are the games I live for,” Hernández said. “In life, you get put on the planet to do certain things. And for me, I feel like I was put on this planet to love my family, make people laugh and play October baseball.”
Hernández said his perspective changed after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. Weeks after the deadly storm, he registered a 1.172 OPS during a postseason that ended in a World Series loss to the Houston Astros.
The veteran played a significant role in the Dodgers claiming the Commissioner’s Trophy last year, batting .294/.357/.451 in 14 playoff games. Hernández credited the intensified postseason atmosphere for boosting his performance.
“For me, it’s very hard to feel adrenaline in the regular season and easier in the postseason,” Hernández said. “I’ve failed so much in the regular season throughout my career, that when it comes to playoff time I feel like I have absolutely nothing to lose.”