Dodgers’ Kiké Hernández Raises Concerns of Collusion in Free Agency Market
The state of the free-agent market has been a topic of concern among players and fans alike. Kiké Hernández, the newly re-signed utility man for the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed his displeasure with the process publicly on the YouTube show “Foul Territory.” Hernández hinted at collusion among major-league owners to suppress player markets, stating, “I’m not going to say the C-word, but I think the C-word needs a capital C.”
Hernández explained that the timing of calls from teams and the numbers offered were remarkably similar, suggesting that teams may be using the same computer system to project salaries and manipulate free agency. While collusion is forbidden in Major League Baseball, it is difficult to prove. A representative from MLB declined to comment on Hernández’s allegations.
Speaking to reporters at spring training, Hernández continued to express his frustration with the drawn-out process that led him to sign three weeks into camp. He compared his experience to that of other established free agents who are still unsigned. Hernández believes that there are many talented players capable of being everyday contributors to teams who remain without contracts. He criticized owners for citing television deals as an excuse for their lack of spending, calling it a “shameful” and “weird” offseason.
The Dodgers, who have spent over $1.2 billion this winter, have taken advantage of the slow market by making strategic additions. Another free agent addition, Teoscar Hernández, also pointed to the slow market as motivation to sign a one-year deal with Los Angeles. The MLB Players Association’s executive director, Tony Clark, shares similar concerns, describing the state of the free-agent market as “interesting.” He finds it hard to believe that talented players who can help teams win are still unsigned.
Both Hernández and Clark believe that teams are leveraging uncertainty about future revenue from television and media rights to justify their lack of spending. While the financial landscape may be uncertain in some markets, they argue that it should not prevent teams from investing in players who can make a difference on the field.
Hernández, a 10-year veteran, had a more successful free agency experience after the 2020 season when he signed a two-year, $14 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. He played a crucial role in their American League Championship Series run before inking a one-year extension. Although his 2022 season was his worst as a big leaguer, he bounced back in 2023 with a solid performance between Boston and Los Angeles.
The Dodgers and Hernández had expressed mutual interest throughout the winter, but the process took longer due to roster considerations. Hernández revealed that he had received offers from other teams, including the New York Yankees, but ultimately chose the Dodgers. He commended Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman for making a move at the right time, allowing him to join the team.
The concerns raised by Hernández shed light on the challenges faced by players in the current free-agent market. The issue of collusion remains difficult to prove, but players and their representatives are calling for more transparency and fair treatment in negotiations. As the season approaches, it remains to be seen how the market will evolve and if teams will address the concerns raised by players like Hernández.