The 2017 season began in the Dominican Summer League for Miguel Hernandez. The shortstop got out to a bit of a slow start, going 1-12 over the first three games of the season for the Rojos. He really picked things up over the next 10 games, going 14-42 (.333) with six doubles and two triples. Hernandez slowed down a bit over the final nine games of June, hitting .273 with just two extra-base hits, but it did include his first home run and he walked twice as often as he struck out. For the month the 18-year-old hit .276/.347/.437 with nine walks and 14 strikeouts. He also stole eight bases in nine attempts.
After starting July by going 0-4, Miguel Hernandez went on a tear. Over the next seven games he would hit .419, going 13-31. Things took a step backwards over the next seven games as he went just 6-29 (.207), but he was promoted to the United States after that stretch. The Reds assigned him to the Arizona League Reds. In the final week he would go 8-22 (.364) with his new team to finish out the month. In 20 games between the two stops he would hit .314/.341/.360.
Miguel Hernandez ended July on a 5-game hitting steak and he kept it going into August by recording hits in three more games before going 0-3 in the second game of a double header on the 4th. After a brief slump the 18-year-old went on a strong run from August 9th through the end of the season. In those 20 games played he hit .333 with six extra-base hits, three walks and just eight strikeouts. Over the final 27 games of the year he hit .305/.328/.407 with three walks and 14 strikeouts.
For all 2017 Season Reviews and Scouting Reports – click here (these will come out during the week throughout the offseason).
Miguel Hernandez Spray Chart
Miguel Hernandez Scouting Report
Hitting | At just 18-years-old, Miguel Hernandez is already showing a good ability to hit. He’s able to use the entire field and his strikeout rate was just 13% between his two stops this season. He shows a potential for a slightly above-average hit tool right now.
Power | How much pop he develops will come down to how much more he fills out his frame. He’s put on about 15 pounds since he signed and there may be room to add some more good weight in the future. Double digit home runs isn’t out of the question for him.
Running | He’s got above-average speed.
Arm | He’s got an above-average arm.
Defense | Hernandez is an above-average to plus defender at shortstop.
The Cincinnati Reds showed confidence in Miguel Hernandez after beginning the year in the Dominican Summer League that he was ready to jump to the Arizona Rookie League and he didn’t disappoint. He stepped up in competition and improved his number offensively. His walk rate was lower than you would like to see, but he improved his contact rate and impressed big time with his defensive play.
At just 18-years-old there’s a long way from where he is at today and where he could be. For now, though, he’s already showing strong aspects of his game on defense and in making contact. There’s room for him to grow into some power in the future, though it may remain slightly below-average.