Yadiel Hernandez had been considered to be one of the top players still in Cuba. After a long wait, he has found a home, as he is poised to sign with the Washington Nationals.
Declared a free agent in April, Cuban outfielder Yadiel Hernandez was expected to sign a contract in short order. He may not possess a single tool that is truly elite, aside from his batting eye, but his solid contact skills and excellent plate approach would seemingly play up in the Majors. Yet, the season came and went, and Hernandez remained unsigned.
Until now, that is. The Washington Nationals are set to ink the outfielder to a minor league contract, handing Hernandez a relatively low $200,000 signing bonus. Considering that he was thought of as one of the better international free agents, that figure is certainly a surprise.
For the Nationals, it is an excellent investment. Although Hernandez is not expected to have the power, or the speed, of a typical corner outfielder, he is still a solid defender. Likewise, those contact skills may allow him to play his way into a role with the Nationals.
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In his last year in Cuba two years ago, Hernandez produced a .369/.509/.535 batting line, hitting seven home runs. While the power is not something to be excited about, he drew 77 walks against 47 strikeouts. With that contact rate, and his batting eye, Hernandez could profile as a solid second hitter or a bottom of the order piece.
However, the Nationals are not the greatest landing place for Hernandez. While they could use a left handed hitting center fielder, they have a plethora of corner outfield options. Hernandez may not have much of a place on the roster, but at the price, he is well worth the look.
Although the minor league season has come to an end, there is still the chance that Hernandez will get some playing time this year. In theory, he could play in the winter leagues, or make an appearance in a fall league. As it has been over a year and a half since his last game action, getting Hernandez back into the swing of things before Spring Training will give the Nationals a chance to see what he has to offer.
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The Washington Nationals are set to take a chance on Yadiel Hernandez. Given the cost and his skillset, it is certainly worth the price.