Dodgers set to lose postseason heroes to free agency after historic World Series over Blue Jays

Hunter Cookston

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Dodgers set to lose postseason heroes to free agency after historic World Series over Blue Jays image

Over the last few years, it’s become clear who one of the most clutch players in October baseball is for the Los Angeles Dodgers — Kiké Hernández. Once again, he delivered this postseason, and he’d be the first to tell you that he was made for moments like these.

“These are the games I live for,” Hernández said. “In life, you get put on the planet to do certain things. And for me, I feel like I was put on this planet to love my family, make people laugh and play October baseball.”

Another Dodgers legend was born in Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday night. With two outs remaining and the season on the line, Miguel Rojas stepped up to the plate and blasted a solo home run to tie the game. The odds couldn’t have been stacked higher against him.

“I still can't believe Miguel Rojas did this. No homers off a right-handed pitcher all season. Was terrible in general against righties. Barely played all postseason. 2 outs away from the season ending. Cemented himself as a Dodgers legend last night,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris wrote.

With the World Series officially over, the offseason has begun. Saturday marked the final day of contracts for several players. For the Dodgers, that includes Rojas and Hernández, who now hit free agency alongside others.

“Offseason starts today with 137 players becoming free agents including Dodgers Michael Conforto, Andrew Heaney, Kiké Hernandez, Michael Kopech, Miguel Rojas and Kirby Yates,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett posted.

There’s little doubt the Dodgers will make a push to bring Hernández back. For Rojas, however, things are more complicated. He wasn’t used much during the postseason until the final two games, while Hernández was an everyday starter in October.

Both players bring valuable veteran leadership, but Hernández makes more sense as a return candidate. If Rojas were to re-sign with Los Angeles, it would likely be more for his leadership presence in the clubhouse than for on-field production.

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Editorial Team