PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Kiké Hernández, the newly signed utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed his frustration with the state of the free-agent market during a recent interview on the YouTube show, “Foul Territory.” Hernández, who secured a one-year, $4 million deal with the Dodgers, hinted at collusion among major-league owners to manipulate player salaries, stating, “The teams … are all using the same one [computer system] and I think they all have the same password.”
The issue of collusion among owners is a sensitive one, as it is prohibited but difficult to substantiate. Despite this, Hernández continued to voice his concerns during a press conference at spring training, emphasizing the prolonged process that led to his signing three weeks into camp. He criticized the delays in signing quality players and expressed disappointment in the lack of movement in the market for other deserving athletes.
The Dodgers, known for their significant spending this offseason exceeding $1.2 billion, capitalized on the slow free-agent market by acquiring talent like Teoscar Hernández. Teoscar Hernández, who opted for a one-year deal with Los Angeles, attributed his decision to the sluggish market dynamics, which also affected other high-caliber players such as Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez.
MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark echoed similar sentiments regarding the state of the free-agent market, noting the unusual circumstances surrounding unsigned players who could significantly impact teams. Clark suggested that teams might be overly cautious in light of uncertainties related to TV and media rights revenues.
Kiké Hernández’s recent experience with free agency marks a contrast to his more lucrative deal after the 2020 season with the Boston Red Sox. Despite a less impressive performance in subsequent seasons, Hernández’s reunion with the Dodgers has been well-received by team officials. The negotiations with the Dodgers were delayed due to roster constraints following a recent trade, but Hernández ultimately chose to return to Los Angeles based on the team’s offer and competitive position in the market.
Overall, the discontent expressed by players like Hernández and the slow-moving free-agent market indicate underlying tensions between players and owners, shedding light on the complex dynamics of player contracts and team investments in Major League Baseball.