Born03/02/1992 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'4" / Wt.: 230 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut04/24/2017
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Before he ever reached full-season ball, Hernandez had already been released by the Giants, spent time in the independent Frontier League--where he made two appearances in 2015--and resurrected his career with the Diamondbacks. The Reds made him the first pick in the minor league Rule 5 draft in 2015, and a year later the Reds added him to the 40-man roster. Hernandez's well below-average control still gives him issues, but he has one of the best pitch combos in the minors. After working with then-Frontier Greys pitching coach Billy Bryk Jr., Hernandez tweaked his delivery to better transfer his weight. He now pitches with a pair of 70 pitches on the 20-80 scouting scale out of the bullpen, and with better command both could be 80s. His fastball sits 95-97 mph and will touch 100 on some nights, but his power curve is a better pitch. It's a high-spin, hard downer breaking pitch with exceptional velocity at 85-89 mph. Batters hit just .136 against Hernandez at two Class A stops in 2016, when he allowed just four extra-base hits. He will have to keep improving his control, but if he does, he could be a dominating reliever.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Curveball in the Cincinnati Reds in 2018
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