Ariel Hernandez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #21 prospect in 2017
  Before he ever reached full-season ball, Hernandez had already been released by the Giants, spent time in the independent Frontier League--where he made two appearances in 2015--and resurrected his career with the Diamondbacks. The Reds made him the first pick in the minor league Rule 5 draft in 2015, and a year later the Reds added him to the 40-man roster. Hernandez's well below-average control still gives him issues, but he has one of the best pitch combos in the minors. After working with then-Frontier Greys pitching coach Billy Bryk Jr., Hernandez tweaked his delivery to better transfer his weight. He now pitches with a pair of 70 pitches on the 20-80 scouting scale out of the bullpen, and with better command both could be 80s. His fastball sits 95-97 mph and will touch 100 on some nights, but his power curve is a better pitch. It's a high-spin, hard downer breaking pitch with exceptional velocity at 85-89 mph. Batters hit just .136 against Hernandez at two Class A stops in 2016, when he allowed just four extra-base hits. He will have to keep improving his control, but if he does, he could be a dominating reliever.