Kiké Hernandez avoids arbitration with $1.6 million deal with Dodgers, per report

The Dodgers before Friday’s exchange deadline avoided salary arbitration with utility man Kiké Hernandez, signing him for a reported $1.6 million in 2018 per Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Hernandez is going through arbitration for the first time, with three years, 54 days of major league service time, after earning $555,000 in 2017.

The utility man hit .215/.308/.421 with 11 home runs and 24 doubles in 140 games last year, and started games at every infield and every outfield position. Hernandez was especially effective against left-handed pitchers, hitting .270/.367/.579 with 25 extra-base hits in 177 plate appearances against southpaws, including 10 of his 11 home runs.

Since joining the Dodgers in 2015 Hernandez has hit .276/.369/.540 against lefties with 19 home runs and 28 doubles in 407 plate appearances. His 142 wRC+ against them ranks 12th in the majors during that span (minimum 400 PA).

Hernandez tied postseason records in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Cubs, hitting three home runs and driving in seven to clinch the Dodgers’ first National League pennant in 29 years.

MLB Trade Rumors projected a salary of $1.3 million in 2018 for Hernandez, and I guessed $1.65 million.