Dodgers Fan Favorite Kike Hernandez Was Key to Bringing in Edwin Diaz
Los Angeles Dodgers star closer Edwin Diaz signed with the Boys in Blue in part because Kike Hernandez made the connection.
Los Angeles Dodgers fans who’ve enjoyed the addition of Edwin Diaz thus far this season have a popular player to thank. As detailed by Katie Woo and Will Sammon of The Athletic , beloved infielder Kike Hernandez both sold the Dodgers on Diaz and Diaz on the Dodgers. Speaking with president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Hernandez said of Diaz: “If you want to keep winning, this is your guy.
” And speaking with Diaz and his wife, Nashaly, Hernandez and his wife, Mariana, gassed up the Dodgers. “I don’t think you’re going to regret it one bit if you sign here,” Hernandez said. Why Was Kike Hernandez Connecting Edwin Diaz and the Dodgers?
Hernandez played his connecting role in December, when he wasn’t even on the Dodgers. At the time, Hernandez was also a free agent, though he soon rejoined the Dodgers for another season. But given that nine of his 13 seasons in the majors have been played in Los Angeles, he was uniquely situated to represent the Dodgers.
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images And given their yearslong relationship, Hernandez was also uniquely able to speak to Diaz.