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Dodgers Fan Favorite Kike Hernandez Was Key to Bringing in Edwin Diaz
TL;DR
Kike Hernandez played a crucial role in bringing Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers by convincing both the team and Diaz of the benefits of the move. His endorsement highlights the importance of player relationships in team decisions.
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
Los Angeles Dodgers fans whoâve 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: âIf you want to keep winning, this is your guy.â
And speaking with Diaz and his wife, Nashaly, Hernandez and his wife, Mariana, gassed up the Dodgers.
âI donât think youâre going to regret it one bit if you sign here,â Hernandez said.
Why Was Kike Hernandez Connecting Edwin Diaz and the Dodgers?
Hernandez played his connecting role in December, when he wasnât 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.
Hernandez and Diaz both hail from Puerto Rico and have a long history together;Â HernĂĄndezâs father coached DĂaz before the pitcher was drafted.
Now, the countrymen are both suited up in Dodger Blue.
Why Did Edwin Diaz Sign With the Dodgers?
Even with the Diaz-Hernandez connection and Hernandez vouching for both sides, it all came down to the Dodgers and Diaz speaking directly.
Diaz told The Athletic that it was the Dodgersâ promise to help Diaz in his career that sold him on the team.
âThe Dodgers told me if I came to Los Angeles and we have the chance to sign you, we will make you a Hall of Famer,â he said.
And on the Dodgersâ side, they knew they had found their guy.
Manager Dave Roberts said he wasnât aware Diaz was even on the teamâs radar until a day before he jumped on a Zoom with the closer, but once they connected, he knew theyâd found their guy.
âI told the guys, âWe got him,ââ Roberts said. âIt just went so well.â
Q&A
How did Kike Hernandez influence Edwin Diaz's move to the Dodgers?
Kike Hernandez convinced the Dodgers' management and Edwin Diaz himself that signing Diaz was essential for the team's success.
What role does Kike Hernandez play on the Dodgers?
Kike Hernandez is an infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and is well-regarded by fans for his contributions to the team.
Who is Edwin Diaz and why is his signing significant for the Dodgers?
Edwin Diaz is a pitcher known for his strong performance, and his signing is significant as it bolsters the Dodgers' pitching lineup and enhances their chances of winning.
