Scouting Report

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

Cuban shortstops have an extensive Major League lineage from Bert Campaneris to Alexei Ramirez to Jose Iglesias and many others. Hernandez looks to join that group one day, choosing to train in the Dominican Republic with Jaime Ramos at his academy in San Cristóbal, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program. Those extensive reps at showcases and tournaments across the Dominican Republic have been key to the development of the Cuba native, who is long-bodied and lean, but also known as a hard worker off the field who maximizes his skill set in the weight room and continually refines his all-around game.

Hernandez utilizes the “whippy” swing that some clubs target for its ability to produce extra-base thump. A right-handed hitter, he has a controlled bat path and is able to generate tons of loft from his rangy frame. He features some significant bat wiggle and an upright stance, but it works for him as he’s able to crush a variety of offerings. There’s also plenty of room to add muscle as he continues to fill out, which when combined with his quick hands and short stride, make for one of the highest offensive upsides in the 2026 class.

Equipped with a quick first step and nose for the ball, Hernandez should get every opportunity to prove himself at shortstop in the pro ranks. That aforementioned natural size might mean he could slide over to third base in time and he’d fit there as the prototypical hot corner masher.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

The Padres typically have been heavy hitters on the international market, targeting the very best players, but spread money around more than usual in their 2026 class. Their top signing was Cuban shortstop Hernandez, who trained in the Dominican Republic before turning pro for $1.4 million in January. He played well in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League before San Diego traded him and right-hander Miguel Mendez to obtain Robbie Ray from the Giants at the Trade Deadline in August.

The right-handed slugger has a whippy swing that comes with a lot of bat speed and easy power on which to dream. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Hernandez has plenty of room to add extra muscle too, and there’s a shot for him to get to plus power at full maturity. The looseness and length in his stroke comes with some hit-tool questions because he can swing around breaking balls and offspeed pitches, though he fared well in the DSL.

With plus speed, solid arm strength and quality athleticism, Hernandez can play almost anywhere on the diamond. He broke into pro ball as a shortstop and has the tools to remain there. If not, he'd profile well offensively and defensively in center field or at third base.

Awards

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2026

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/04/2026	DSL Giants Black activated SS Joniel Hernandez.
	08/04/2026	DSL Giants Black activated SS Joniel Hernandez.
	08/03/2026	San Francisco Giants traded LHP Robbie Ray to San Diego Padres for RHP Miguel Mendez and SS Joniel Hernandez.
	08/03/2026	SS Joniel Hernandez assigned to DSL Giants Black.
	07/19/2026	SS Joniel Hernandez assigned to DSL NL All-Stars.
	02/24/2026	SS Joniel Hernandez assigned to DSL Padres Gold.
	01/15/2026	San Diego Padres signed free agent SS Joniel Hernandez to a minor league contract.