Heriberto Hernandez Clobbering Homers In Minors
Tampa Bay Rays outfiield prospect Heriberto Hernandez was already 18 years old when he signed a cheap $10,000 deal with the Rangers in 2017. Since then, he has been dealt to the Rays and emerged as one of the club's better prospects. Originally a catcher, Hernandez now covers the corner outfield positions while also filling in at first base here and there. He has a loud swing that produces fantastic power, yet he still draws walks at a decent clip. He needs to bring his strikeout rate down, but it's clear that the Rays are very excited about the offensive upside he could offer the big-league club someday. Hernandez doesn't run extremely well, but he has an average glove and plus arm in the outfield, making him a candidate to play right field long-term. If that doesn't work out, he would have no trouble pivoting to left field or first base. At the end of the day, though, his bat is still his top tool. The 22-year-old certainly put his swing to good use this past week, going 8-for-19 (.421) with four homers, 12 RBI, five homers, and four strikeouts. Not only did he continue to clobber the ball, but he showed that he is also capable of cutting down on strikeouts. His powerful bat could translate to some very nice fantasy production in a few years.
Aug 10, 2022
