As the Dodgers headed into the 2024 All-Star break, Kiké Hernández found himself in a familiar yet disconcerting position. A beloved figure among fans, Hernández was on the brink of a perilous crossroads.

Batting a mere .191 with a .557 OPS and tallying just 15 RBIs over 71 games, he had been relegated to the lower end of the lineup, typically hitting eighth or ninth. For a player of Hernández’s caliber, known for his infectious energy and clutch playoff performances, those numbers painted a somber picture.

Dodgers fans and the organization alike cherished him, yet his performance metrics suggested he was close to becoming a victim of the frequent roster reshuffles — a situation exacerbated by the Dodgers’ persistent injury challenges.

However, the script flipped dramatically after the All-Star break. From July 20 to the final day of the regular season, Hernández found renewed life at the plate.

He posted a robust .274 average alongside a .766 OPS, notching seven home runs and 27 RBIs. This wasn’t just a resurgence; it was a complete turnaround that reestablished his vital role in the lineup.

Come postseason, Hernández was back to his clutch self, hitting an impressive .294 with a .808 OPS from the National League Division Series through the World Series.

What was the secret sauce? Eyewear.

As inconspicuous as it might seem, the addition of glasses to Hernández’s game-day attire sparked this late-season renaissance. The glasses seemingly transformed his vision — both metaphorically and literally.

“It kinda saved my season, and who knows, maybe my career,” Hernández told Alanna Rizzo on Dodgers Territory. That minor adjustment arguably prevented him from being designated for assignment (DFA), allowing him to remain a pivotal piece for the Dodgers.

In 2024, the immense flux within the Dodgers’ roster, with players frequently transitioning on and off the injured list, meant every roster spot was highly contested. Hernández navigated these choppy waters smoothly, leveraging improved visibility to ensure his place on the team. While his $4 million, one-year contract might have been an easy financial cut, his late-season performance proved priceless.

As 2025 dawned, the Dodgers, having signed Hyeseong Kim, released Gavin Lux but retained Hernández, signaling their continued faith in his capabilities. Already, Hernández has validated that decision with a towering home run in the Tokyo Series, igniting the spark for what could be another memorable season.

So, what’s the key takeaway from Hernández’s journey? It’s simple: sometimes the smallest changes, like a pair of lenses, can bring everything into focus.

A reminder to all aspiring athletes and fans out there – never overlook the essentials, like getting your eyes checked. It might just change the game.