Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kike Hernandez has bought a new home worth $5.375 million, though it is not located in LA.
Hernandez recently signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract to return to the Dodgers and chase a three-peat.
His numbers are not great, leveling out to around league average, but his positional flexibility, leadership, and energy provide value beyond the numbers.
He can play in the outfield and infield, while serving as a quality platoon option against pitching matchups where he has the advantage.
With his second child born and entering his 12th season at 34, Hernandez is seemingly looking for a permanent residence to settle down with his wife, Mariana, and he found one in Arizona.
According to Catherine Reagor of AZ Central, Hernandez purchased a 5,181-square-foot home in Arcadia, a suburb of metro Phoenix.
Hernandez bought the home for $5.375 million in cash, below the list price of $5.85 million. The property was listed back in October.
The house has five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and wood-plank floors, along with a dramatic fireplace in the living room.
In his new home, Hernandez will continue his recovery from elbow surgery, which he underwent over the offseason. He missed the World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico due to the injury, but he has still supported the team and helped recruit players.
The home’s location will give Hernandez easy access to the Dodgers’ Spring Training facilities in Glendale at Camelback Ranch.
Hernandez’s goals in LA
While his home is not in Los Angeles, Hernandez is totally in a LA state of mind as he joins the Dodgers for a three-peat push.
He is a total fan favorite, and as Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain likes to say, Hernandez will not need to buy a beer in Los Angeles ever.
Throughout the offseason, fans have called for the team to re-sign Hernandez, and the love he receives seems mutual.
“What up, Dodger fans? Plain and simple, I’m back. Again,” he said after re-signing. “Sorry it took so long. That wasn’t up to me — Andrew — but yeah, there’s no place I would rather be than here. So, let’s go for three in a row.”
Hernandez has won three World Series titles in six years with the Dodgers, helping to build a dynasty, and while his property may be in Arizona, Los Angeles will always be home for the Puerto Rican.
