Overview

• Hernandez officially signed with the Pirates after his No. 6 selection, choosing professional baseball over a college commitment.
• He dominated his senior season at Corona High School with a 0.39 ERA, 105 strikeouts and just seven walks across 53 innings.
• Scouts highlight his polished four-pitch mix—92–95 mph fastball (topping 97), 12-to-6 curve, sharp slider and elite changeup—as pro-ready.
• After two years of homeschooling, he broke out as a junior in 2024 with a 9–0 record, 0.62 ERA and 73 strikeouts, earning praise for his composure and projection.
• He joins a pipeline of polished Southern California arms—including Gerrit Cole and Paul Skenes—underscoring Pittsburgh’s rebuild approach.