While he may not have had a flashy first professional year down in the Dominican Summer League, he still has the upside of an an everyday big league shortstop and comes in at #14 based off his upside.
Maikol Hernandez
Pos: SS
Bats: R
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 17
2021 Level: DSL
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 20/50
Game Power: 20/45
Raw Power: 20/50
Run: 55/50
Defense: 25/50
| Season | Team | Level | Age | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | ISO | LD% | GB% | FB% | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 2021 | BAL | DSL | 17 | 0 | 12.8% | 21.2% | .231 | .340 | .308 | .647 | .077 | 17.2% | 43.0% | 39.8% | .332 | 92 |
Most Likely Future Role: Too Early
Ceiling: 1st Division Starting shortstop
What we know: While his season numbers weren’t all that impressive in his first professional season, the tools and body type are things scouts look for in young player. There is little doubt the 6-foot-3, 175 pound shortstop has plenty of tools to wish upon as he matures physically and gains experience playing professionally. Hernandez reminds some scouts of a young Alex Rodriguez and Carlos Correa because of his body type and although he may be behind where they were at the same age, he remains very intriguing. A little behind the curve from his Dominican counterparts due to living in Venezuela, Hernandez may have tried to do to much initially and really struggled offensively slashing just .190./357/.238/.595 in July and .215/.307/.308/.615 in August before settling in for a nice September slashing .273/.377/.341/.718. While his power is below average now, with more strength and experience his power is expected to because at least solid average.
Defensively Hernandez has good actions at shortstop and all the tools to stay there including a plus arm. The only question is will he outgrow the position due to his size? He runs well though not a burner.
What we don’t know: Like Basallo, Hernandez is a long way to go and di not light up the DSL despite his pedigree. While he has the tools, we don’t know how he’ll adjust to better competition as he moves up to play in the states. Additionally, there are some thoughts he could outgrow shortstop so that is something to keep an eye on as well.
What we think: There is a good upside here, and even though there is an extreme risk of him reaching his ceiling, he has a pretty high floor of becoming a utility guy. He’s went to the instructional league in Sarasota and was put into the strength and condition program that will prepare him for his offseason back in Venezuela. He will be in Sarasota next year for minor league spring training and it will be worth watching whether he gets an opportunity to make a full season club or starts 2022 in the Florida Complex League.