Position: RHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 188 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 07/20/2002
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2022
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Hernandez signed at age 18 just before the start of the 2021 DSL season. His size affords a lot of projection and he was already throwing 92 mph when he signed. In 2023 in the FCL, he was throwing in the mid-90s with a lot of movement. He adds a curve and change. Hernandez is very hard to hit, but walks have been a challenge.
2021-22
Hernandez had a good DSL debut in 2022. He walked too many, at 6.0 BB/9, but opponents batted only .212 and slugged just .235 against him. All but one of his ten games came as a starter. His 2022 season, back in the DSL, was limited by injuries to four starts and one relief appearance. He was extremely effective when he was able to pitch, with a 2.84 ERA, 2.1 BB/9 and 14.2 K/9.
2023-24
In 2023, Hernandez pitched in relief in the FCL. The month of June didn’t go well, as he walked 14 and struck out seven in 8.2 IP. The rest of the way, though, he walked 12, allowed just ten hits, and fanned 31 in 19 innings. The walk total still wasn’t great, but Hernandez was often dominant.
Hernandez opened 2024 on the injured list, then was activated in late May. He pitched out of the bullpen in the FCL through mid-June, but had severe control problems and only got into one game after that. He lasted just 4.2 IP in eight outings while walking 14 and throwing an alarming 16 wild pitches.
Stats
Transactions
April 15, 2021: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.