Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 65 | Power: 60 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 60 | Overall: 65

Carlos Guillén played 14 seasons in the big leagues and collected more than 1,300 hits en route to earning three All-Star appearances. Now a trainer (and member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program) in his native Venezuela, his star pupil of the 2026 class is Hernández, one of the most heralded players on the international scene in the past few years. Gifted with immense physical projection and a laundry list of impressive tools, the native of Guárico, Venezuela, also earns plus marks for his work ethic and all-around baseball IQ.

At just 15 years old, Hernández excelled during a stint in the Venezuelan Major League. He hit .346 across 104 at-bats against much older and more experienced competition, routinely showcasing preternaturally gifted bat speed and a consistent ability to get to his extra-base pop. Evaluators believe there’s even more home run power to come as he continues to fill out his frame, while he shows a penchant for loud contact against a variety of pitches.

Hernández uses that supreme athleticism to his advantage defensively. He has soft hands and a quick first step, which gives him the look of a long-term up-the-middle defender. He doesn’t have a huge throwing arm but the fluidity of his movements and transfers help him maximize his tools. Constantly on the prowl to grab an extra base, he’s an above-average runner who should impact the game both in the stolen-base department and while going from first to third and second to home. There’s legitimate 30-30 upside -- all while holding down a premium defensive position -- if everything comes together.

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

The Giants landed the consensus best position player on the international market in consecutive years, grabbing Josuar Gonzalez for $2,997,500 in 2025 and Hernández for $4,997,500 (the highest bonus in the 2026 class) this January. Scouts say Gonzalez might have a little more upside but Hernandez offers more polish and a better floor, not to mention a lofty ceiling of his own. At age 15 in 2024, he hit .346 in 104 at-bats against much older and more experienced competition in the Venezuelan Major League, including going 16-for-49 (.327) vs. pitchers who had reached the Majors or Triple-A.

Extremely advanced for a 17-year-old hitter, Hernández recognizes pitches well, makes good swing decisions and strings together quality at-bats. He has a quick right-handed stroke, nice feel for the barrel and focuses on working the ball from gap to gap. Though he's just 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, his hitting ability, bat speed and history of making loud contact against quality competition bode well for 25-homer power once he matures physically.

Once he's fully developed, Hernández could have four plus tools to go with average speed. He's a fundamentally sound player who's always under control at the plate and in the field, where he's a fluid and reliable shortstop with plus arm strength. His high baseball IQ enables him to play faster than his pure speed and his work ethic should allow him to get the most out of his ability.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/24/2026	SS Luis Hernández assigned to San Jose Giants from ACL Giants.
	07/24/2026	San Jose Giants placed SS Luis Hernández on the 7-day injured list.
	07/24/2026	San Jose Giants activated SS Luis Hernández.
	04/29/2026	SS Luis Hernández assigned to ACL Giants from DSL Giants Orange.
	03/18/2026	SS Luis Hernández assigned to San Francisco Giants Prospects.
	02/24/2026	SS Luis Hernández assigned to DSL Giants Orange.
	01/15/2026	San Francisco Giants signed free agent SS Luis Hernandez to a minor league contract.