Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

Hernandez elicited physical comparisons to Alex Rodriguez and Manny Machado as an amateur in the Dominican Republic, with some scouts rating him as the best prospect in the 2020-21 international class. When the Cubs signed him for $3 million, they believed he had a higher ceiling than any international amateur they had landed in years. But he has struggled since a successful pro debut, slashing .223/.302/.301 with a 27 percent strikeout rate in Single-A last year. 

With his lightning-fast right-handed swing, it's still easy to dream about Hernandez providing 25 or more homers per season. But he hasn't been able to make much of his plus power yet because he still lacks strength and makes too much ground-ball contact. He needs a more selective approach that concentrates on making hard contact because his pop should come naturally if he lets it.

Hernandez has solid speed and is aggressive on the bases, stealing 27 bases in 32 attempts last year. With his quickness and solid arm strength he should be able to stay at shortstop, though he shifted over to second base once Jefferson Rojas came to Myrtle Beach in June. He's a fine defender at second base, more average at shortstop and should be able to handle third if needed.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

Some evaluators considered Hernandez the top prospect in the 2020 international crop, and he drew physical comparisons to Alex Rodriguez and Manny Machado. The Cubs signed him for $3 million out of the Dominican Republic in January 2021 and believe he has more upside than any international amateur they've signed in more than a decade. He made his U.S. debut last year, slashing .261/.320/.357 with a 30 percent strikeout rate in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League. 

With electric bat speed from the right side of the plate, Hernandez has 25-30 homer upside. He's not tapping into his power yet because he needs to add strength and drive balls in the air more regularly. He has yet to learn to let his pop come naturally rather than pulling too many pitches and chasing too many out of the strike zone.

Hernandez possesses solid speed and plus arm strength, and he should retain enough quickness and range to remain at short. He has seen more time at second base this year in deference to Jefferson Rojas and looked good there. If Hernandez slows down more than expected as he matures physically, he could wind up at third base or the outfield corners. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50 

Hernandez drew repeated physical comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez and Manny Machado as an amateur in the Dominican Republic, and some scouts considered him the best prospect in the 2020 international class. The Cubs signed him for $3 million in January 2021 and believe he has more upside than any international player they've landed in at least a decade -- including Willson Contreras, Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres. He debuted in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League at age 17, batting .285/.398/.424 with five homers and 21 steals in 47 games.  

An extremely advanced hitter for his age, Hernandez has a smooth right-handed stroke with plenty of bat speed. He has good feel for the barrel and exhibits patience at the plate as well as a willingness to use the entire field. While he should have plus raw power once his projectable 6-foot-2 frame fills out, he'll have to make some swing adjustments to make the most of it after sporting a 2.0 ground/fly ratio in his debut. 

Hernandez is a plus runner who can make things happen on the bases, though he could lose a half-step as he gets stronger. Even so, he should still be athletic and quick enough to remain at shortstop, where he displays the requisite actions and instincts as well as a plus arm. He'd also profile well at third base and on the outfield corners if he slows down more than expected. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Some scouts considered Hernandez the best prospect in the 2020 international class. The Cubs say he offers more upside than any international player they've signed in recent memory -- including Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres in 2013. The recipient of a $3 million bonus out of the Dominican Republic, he draws constant physical comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez and Manny Machado.

Hernandez has the tools to hit for average and power and could become a .300 hitter with 30 homers on an annual basis if everything comes together. He has a fluid right-handed swing with quality bat speed and also exhibits feel for the barrel and a mature approach. He has a track record of producing in game action and his projectable frame should allow him to add plenty of strength.

Hernandez presently has plus speed, though he might lose a half-step as he matures physically. Even if that happens, he has the athleticism and actions to remain at shortstop for the long term. His quickness and arm strength would allow him to play all over the field if needed and he'd have no problem fitting the offensive profile wherever he winds up.

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55

Hernandez is a five-tool player with a chance to have plus tools across the board. At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, the teenager resembles a young Alex Rodriguez and has a build similar to Manny Machado at the same age. He styles his game after Javier Baez, his favorite player.

Hernandez is big, and he’s expected to get even bigger and stronger and will likely stay at shortstop as he makes his way through the Minor League system. His approach and abilities give him a chance to hit for a high batting average, and he's expected to have plus power in the future. There’s a belief he could eventually develop into a .300 hitter who can hit 30 or more home runs.

On defense, he shows plus arm potential with smooth hands and the ability to make plays in the hole and up the middle with equal proficiency. He can also charge the ball and make the plays coming in with ease. His great footwork also works well in the batter’s box. He consistently runs the 60-yard timed run in 6.5 seconds.

Hernandez is known as a student of the game and scouts praise him for his instincts and high baseball IQ. He has also impressed evaluators with his makeup. He trains with Luis Pereira of Mejia Top 10 Baseball Academy. The Cubs are the favorite to sign the infielder.

Awards

CAR Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/13/2024	SS Cristian Hernandez assigned to South Bend Cubs from Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
	03/08/2024	SS Cristian Hernandez assigned to Chicago Cubs.
	04/06/2023	SS Cristian Hernandez assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans from ACL Cubs.
	04/06/2023	Myrtle Beach Pelicans activated SS Cristian Hernandez.
	04/06/2023	Myrtle Beach Pelicans activated SS Cristian Hernandez.
	06/06/2022	SS Cristian Hernandez assigned to ACL Cubs.
	04/05/2022	SS Cristian Hernandez and assigned to Chicago Cubs.
	01/15/2021	Chicago Cubs signed free agent SS Cristian Hernandez to a minor league contract.
	01/15/2021	SS Cristian Hernandez assigned to DSL Cubs Blue.