Dodgers' Kiké Hernández Says WBC Means More Than the World Series

The utility player believes representing Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic is a bigger stage than the World Series.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Kiké Hernández, a utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has played in five World Series and won three championships. However, he believes that representing Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic is a bigger stage and more meaningful to him than the World Series. Despite being unable to play in this year's WBC due to an injury, Hernández is supporting his team from the dugout and sees the tournament as the pinnacle of baseball competition.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a relatively new international baseball tournament that has struggled to gain the same level of prestige as the World Series. Hernández's comments highlight how some players view the WBC as a more meaningful competition, especially for those representing their home countries. This could have implications for the future popularity and significance of the WBC.

The details

Hernández, known for his versatility and clutch performances in the playoffs, is a leader on and off the field for the Dodgers. While he loves playing for the Dodgers and winning World Series titles, he believes the WBC is an even bigger stage. Despite being sidelined by an injury, Hernández is supporting Puerto Rico from the dugout and celebrating their victories, like the team's walk-off win over Panama. For Hernández, the WBC represents a chance to play for his home country, which he sees as more meaningful than even the World Series.

  • Hernández underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a torn left elbow extensor tendon, which will keep him out until midseason.
  • Puerto Rico defeated Panama in a walk-off victory on Saturday at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The players

Kiké Hernández

A utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has played in five World Series, winning three championships. He believes the World Baseball Classic is a bigger stage than the World Series.

Darell Hernaiz

A player for Puerto Rico who hit the game-winning walk-off home run against Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Francisco Lindor

A player who was unable to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico due to insurance issues, but celebrated the team's victory by FaceTiming with Hernández.

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What they’re saying

“I've played in five World Series, and I don't know if it's because of what's across my chest, but the Classic feels above that.”

— Kiké Hernández (Newsweek)

What’s next

Hernández is expected to return from his injury and rejoin the Dodgers sometime in the middle of the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

Hernández's comments highlight how the World Baseball Classic has become a more meaningful competition for some players, especially those representing their home countries. This could signal a shift in the prestige and importance of the WBC compared to the traditional World Series.