Los Angeles Angels Getting Weird Vibes From Free Agent Target

According to reports, the Los Angeles Angels are still interested in veteran Enrique Hernandez, but they fear he wants to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Per Ken Rosenthal of 'The Athletic.'

The Angels continue to show interest in free agent Kiké Hernández, but fear he prefers a return to the Dodgers, according to a source briefed on the team’s discussions.

Hernández also is drawing interest from other clubs, and the Dodgers seem more focused on adding a high-leverage reliever, perhaps Ryan Brasier as a free agent or the Red Sox’s Kenley Jansen in a trade.

The Angels' interest in Hernandez is well-documented.

If Hernandez wants to return to the Dodgers, that's seemingly understandable. He's done two tours with the Dodgers and clearly feels comfortable with the organization and manager Dave Roberts. Also, the Dodgers figure to be the best team in baseball after adding Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, so why wouldn't you be interested in winning a ring?

However, the Angels likely can offer an everyday job, which could be appealing to Hernandez at this point in his career. He's already won a ring with the Dodgers in 2020, so maybe he wants more playing time. Only he knows the answer.

Hernandez is coming off a double hernia surgery this offseason and has been banged up each of the last two years but he's certainly a useful player when healthy.

The 32-year-old made his major league debut in 2014 with the Houston Astros and also spent a little time with the Miami Marlins, but he really made his mark with the Dodgers from 2015-20.

After that, he spent 2.5 years in Boston, helping the Red Sox get to the ALCS in 2021. He was traded back to the Dodgers in 2023.

Lifetime, Hernandez is a .239 hitter who is best known for his spotty power and defensive versatility.