Even though he won’t be playing, the Puerto Rico national team will have a familiar face in the clubhouse for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Enrique “Kiké” Hernández, a utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will join Team Puerto Rico during the tournament. He will provide leadership and enthusiasm while he recovers from elbow surgery.
Hernández will not play in any games for Puerto Rico this time, but his presence will still be important for a team that blends veteran players with younger ones looking to establish themselves on the world stage.
Kiké Hernández Bringing Energy to Team Rubio
Carlos Beltrán, the general manager of Puerto Rico, said that Hernández will stay with the team for the whole tournament. This decision came after other Puerto Rican talents Edwin “Sugar” Díaz and Martín Maldonado told him to join the group.
Beltrán said that Hernández’s biggest effect might be off the field, especially in the clubhouse.
The experienced Dodgers player has built a reputation as one of the most energetic personalities in MLB, consistently lifting a team’s spirits when things get tough. That reputation means even more to the Puerto Rico national team, where friendship and identity have been key to their success in the World Baseball Classic.
Hernández has always been one of the most well-known and charming players on the Puerto Rican team in past tournaments. His love for supporting the island—something often shown in the now-famous ritual of players coloring their hair blonde during the 2017 run to the final—made him a fan favorite among Puerto Rican fans.
This year, even though he was out of the game, Hernández apparently embraced that tradition again. He showed up with his hair dyed blonde as Puerto Rico prepares for another deep tournament run.
Injury Keeps Hernández Off the Field
Hernández’s presence around the club is good, but his absence from the lineup is still important.
The Dodgers’ utility player had elbow surgery during the offseason after playing through pain for most of the 2025 season. Hernández is expected to miss the start of the 2026 MLB season due to the treatment, and he was not allowed to play in the World Baseball Classic.
Hernández showed off his versatility again last season, which has been a big part of his career. He played five different positions for the Dodgers and hit 10 home runs and drove in 35 runs in 92 games.
His offensive numbers—a .203/.255/.366 slash line with a 72 OPS+—didn’t completely show how valuable he was. His ability to play many positions and be a good teammate has made him a reliable player on championship-caliber teams for a long time.
Those intangible traits might be just as vital for Team Puerto Rico at the WBC.
The club is missing certain important players, such as Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Javier Báez, who are stars but can’t play due to insurance issues. That leaves a roster that is mostly made up of new players and veterans like Díaz and Maldonado.
In that light, Hernández’s presence means more than just a symbol.
The Dodgers veteran will be part of a group trying to bring back the magic that helped Puerto Rico reach the World Baseball Classic finals in 2013 and 2017, even though he doesn’t have a glove or bat. The tournament is back in Puerto Rico for pool play, and the atmosphere is sure to be fantastic.
Hernández won’t be on the field this time, but his voice in the dugout might still help Puerto Rico make another remarkable run.
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