The Los Angeles Dodgers are approaching another roster retooling.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will be motivated to make improvements after the Milwaukee Brewers swept Los Angeles in the National League Championship Series.

Reviewing the roster and the players entering free agency suggests that several familiar names could be playing elsewhere in 2027.

During previous offseasons, Kiké Hernández entered free agency maintaining that he would only sign with the Dodgers. This time, he left open the possibility of joining another team.

After the Game 4 loss against Milwaukee in the National League Championship Series, Hernández told Sonja Chen from MLB.com that he would welcome another opportunity to pursue a World Series title with Los Angeles.

However, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future and said he hoped to join another winning team should he leave.

“I would love to have one more try, trying to win another one,” Hernández said. “But I don’t really know what’s going to happen. I hope I’m back, and if I’m not, I hope that I get to play for a winning team.”

The 35-year-old completed his 13th MLB season and 10th with the Dodgers in 2026. Hernández has spent the past three-and-a-half seasons in Los Angeles, although injuries have repeatedly interrupted his second stint.

He appeared in 126 games during 2024, his first full season after returning. That total declined to 92 in 2025 and only 41 this season.

Hernández underwent left elbow surgery in November and began 2026 on the Injured List. He made his season debut against the Colorado Rockies on May 25 but soon returned to the IL with a Grade 3 left oblique tear.

The Dodgers activated Hernández on July 28, and he played without restrictions for the remainder of the season.

He went 1-for-14 (.071) with one home run, two RBIs and a .357 OPS in six postseason games.

During an appearance on Foul Territory on Friday, Katie Woo from The Athletic said Hernández’s future may depend on how many games the season contains and how the Dodgers’ roster looks once baseball resumes.

“I really think it depends on how many games they’re going to play and what their roster looks like whenever we start baseball again,” Woo explained.

Hernández’s case extends beyond his disappointing postseason production. His value comes from his ability to accept different assignments, provide coverage around the field and remain prepared without requiring an everyday role.

That flexibility can be especially useful during a season when injuries force constant lineup changes. Hernández can give a manager another option without requiring the Dodgers to carry a specialist for every position.

His familiarity with the organization also matters. Hernández understands the expectations surrounding Los Angeles, has experienced postseason pressure and would not require an adjustment period upon returning.

However, the Dodgers must determine whether those benefits outweigh his recent availability problems. His declining games played and multiple injuries make it difficult to project how much he can contribute in 2027.

Los Angeles also needs to create opportunities for younger players, making every bench position increasingly important. Retaining Hernández based entirely on familiarity would not be enough.

A return would make the most sense in a clearly defined supporting role. Hernández would need to remain healthy, provide defensive flexibility and deliver more consistent offensive production.

His connection to the Dodgers remains meaningful, but his future will ultimately depend on whether the roster still has room for what he provides.