Marco Hernandez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #10 prospect in 2018
  Acquired from the Cubs for Felix Doubront in 2014, Hernandez stood out at times in 2015 and 2016 for the electricity of his tools. He opened 2017 in the big leagues as a utility infielder, though when given a chance to take over at third base, he struggled defensively while providing only modest offense. Hernandez dealt with ongoing left shoulder subluxations that required season-ending surgery. Hernandez's quick-twitch athleticism and strong wrists help generate bat speed and frequent firm contact. His extremely aggressive approach and flat-plane swing limit his power and mean that much of his offensive value is built around his batting average and above-average speed–and on the latter front, his stolen-base figures don't align with his raw speed. Defensively, he's shown the potential for average to above-average defense at second base and playable defense at shortstop, though a player who struggles with his game clock he has yet to look comfortable at third base. Hernandez's recovery from shoulder surgery serves as a wild card for 2018. With Dustin Pedroia out for at least the first two months of 2018, Hernandez will have a chance to claim playing time at second base. He has a chance to be a second-division starter at the position or a lefthanded-hitting utility infielder.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #8 prospect in 2017
  Hernandez, a former switch-hitter who now bats solely from the left side, continued his ascent in the Red Sox system in 2016. He hit .309 at Triple-A Pawtucket with a .787 OPS that ranked third among International League shortstops and then hit .294/.357/.373 in 40 big league games and made the postseason roster. At Pawtucket, Hernandez hit lefties well (.328) for the first time in his career, but his primary strength is his ability to play shortstop, second base and third base adequately while delivering offensive impact against righthanders. Though his aggressiveness will cap his on-base ability, he shows the potential to hit for solid averages with gap power and speed that is a tick above-average. Hernandez's skill set best fits as a valuable utility infielder, though he could serve as a platoon second baseman.
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  Ranked Boston Red Sox #12 prospect in 2016
  Acquired after the 2014 season from the Cubs as a player to be named for Felix Doubront, Hernandez made a tremendous impression in his first opportunity to play in the upper levels. A former switch-hitter who became a full-time lefthanded hitter in 2014, he showed solid shortstop defense and the ability to make hard contact against righthanded fastballs at Double-A Portland (.326/.349/.482) before seeing his marks dip in Triple-A Pawtucket (.271/.300/.409), where he played shortstop, second base and third base. Ultimately, his best defensive position might be second, but he's capable enough at short--and with a sufficiently wide-ranging set of offensive skills, including a line-drive swing and talent as a bunter--to suggest a potentially valuable utility infielder. Hernandez may need much of 2016 at Triple-A Pawtucket to refine his offensive game, but he's seemingly not far from a big league role.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #20 prospect in 2013
  It was Hernandez and not 2011 first-round pick Javier Baez who opened last season as Peoria's starting shortstop. Hernandez wasn't ready to make the jump from Rookie-ball to low Class A and didn't get his bat going until he went to Boise in June. While he can't match the tools of Baez or Arismendy Alcantara, Hernandez has no glaring weaknesses and a better chance to stay at shortstop in the long term. A switch-hitter, he has an easy swing from both sides of the plate and more pop as a lefty. His Midwest League performance aside, he makes reliable contact and should have solid gap power once he gets stronger. He'll have to improve his plate discipline and pitch recognition to handle better pitching. Hernandez has above-average speed but still is learning to make the most of it on the bases. He has the actions, quickness and solid arm required at shortstop, but he let the game speed up too much on him defensively in 2012, committing 32 errors in 105 games. He'll be better equipped to handle low Class A when he opens there in 2013.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #16 prospect in 2012
  In 2008, scouts and managers fell in love with the Cubs' Arizona League double-play tandem of Starlin Castro and Junior Lake. That scenario repeated itself three years later, as Hernandez and Gioskar Amaya were two of the AZL's best middle-infield prospects. Amaya hit .377, but Hernandez wasn't far behind at .333 and ranks as the better prospect because he has a better chance to stay at shortstop. A switchhitter, Hernandez handles the bat well but is better from the left side of the plate. He has enough bat speed and strength for gap power and the plus speed to beat out bunts. He's still learning to use his quickness on the basepaths. His first-step quickness and above-average arm strength give Hernandez the tools to make plays at shortstop. He needs to improve his throwing accuracy but overall is very reliable for a young defender. His .953 fielding percentage would have led AZL shortstops had his timeshare with Amaya not limited his playing time there. Chicago isn't afraid to aggressively promote teenagers, though it's unlikely Hernandez will jump from Arizona all the way to high Class A like Castro did three years ago.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Northwest League #6 prospect in 2012
  Hernandez beat out 2011 first-round pick Javier Baez for the starting shortstop job at low Class A Peoria to start this season, but the Midwest League proved to be too fast with him. He looked like a different player at Boise, where he made some offensive adjustments and regained his confidence. "He really came on and was the most improved hitter on the team," Boise hitting coach Bill Buckner said. "Most of it was pitch selection. He finally realized that by getting good pitches to hit that he's a better hitter." Hernandez still has room to improve in terms of plate discipline and pitch recognition, but he shows good bat control and eventually should have the strength to hit 15 homers annually. He has good athleticism and is a 65 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale. He has very good footwork at shortstop, with nice actions and average arm strength.
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  Ranked Arizona Complex League #6 prospect in 2011
  The 2008 AZL Cubs had two highly touted 18-year-old Latin American middle infielders in Junior Lake and Starlin Castro, who split time at shortstop and ranked on our Top 20 Prospects list. That scenario repeated itself three years later, as Hernandez and Gioskar Amaya took turns at short and ranked among the best infielders in the league. Hernandez is more likely to remain at shortstop than Amaya. Hernandez has a more athletic frame and good range. He also has plus arm strength but needs better accuracy on his throws. A switch-hitter, Hernandez currently is better from the left side of the plate. He has good bat speed and contact skills, and he shows the ability to bunt for a hit. He should have at least gap power and has plus speed, though he's still learning how to use it on the bases.

• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Acquired from the Cubs for Felix Doubront in 2014, Hernandez stood out at times in 2015 and 2016 for the electricity of his tools. He opened 2017 in the big leagues as a utility infielder, though when given a chance to take over at third base, he struggled defensively while providing only modest offense. He dealt with ongoing left shoulder subluxations that required season-ending surgery. Scouting Report: Hernandez's quick-twitch athleticism and strong wrists help generate bat speed and frequent firm contact. His extremely aggressive approach and flat-plane swing limit his power and mean that much of his offensive value is built around his batting average and above-average speed. Defensively, he's shown the potential for average to above-average defense at second base and playable defense at shortstop, though he has yet to look comfortable at third base. His recovery from shoulder surgery serves as a wild card for 2018. The Future: With Dustin Pedroia out for at least the first two months of 2018, Hernandez will have a chance to claim playing time at second base. He has a chance to be a second-division starter at the position or a lefthanded-hitting utility infielder.