Impact Hernandez was added to the Royals' 40-man roster last winter, but he struggled at the Double-A level in 2023 and might now have to move on to a new organization.
NOVEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Non-tendered by KC Hernandez became a free agent Friday after being non-tendered by the Royals.
Activated, sent to High-A The Royals reinstated Hernandez (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list Monday and optioned him to High-A Quad Cities.
Impact Though Hernandez began season on the Royals' IL after dislocating his shoulder in February and undergoing surgery, he wouldn't have been a serious candidate to make the Opening Day roster even if he had stayed healthy and performed well in spring training. The 22-year-old outfielder was added to the 40-man roster over the winter for the sole purpose of protecting him from the Rule 5 draft, but Hernandez is realistically at least a year or two away from reaching the big leagues. He posted a serviceable if unspectacular .736 OPS in 32 games at Double-A Northwest Arkansas at the tail end of the 2022 season, and he could eventually move up to the Royals' Texas League affiliate once he gets more at-bats in at Quad Cities. Hernandez had already appeared in eight rehab games between Quad Cities and the rookie-level Arizona Complex League prior to being activated.
JULY 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Initiates rehab assignment Hernandez (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Wednesday with the Royals' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate.
Impact The 22-year-old outfielder is ready for his first game action of the season after he had been sidelined since late February while recovering from surgery to address a dislocated right shoulder. Because he was protected from the Rule 5 Draft over the winter, Hernandez resides on the Royals' 60-day injured list, but he'll most likely be optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas once his 20-day rehab window comes to an end.
JUNE 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Acquired in trade with Yankees Boston acquired Hernandez along with cash considerations from the Yankees in the trade for Greg Allen on Friday.
Impact Hernandez was signed by the Yankees over the summer of 2022, and he pitched well in the DSL with a 2.10 ERA and 48/14 K:BB over 34.1 innings from 12 appearances. The 18-year-old right-hander is several years away from being a potential contributor to the Boston roster.
MAY 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Moves to 60-day IL Hernandez was placed on the 60-day injured list Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Impact Hernandez dislocated his shoulder in February and will now be forced to miss the first two months of the season at a minimum. When he is activated, he'll likely take on a significant role at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
MARCH 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Optioned to Double-A Hernandez (shoulder) was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Friday.
Impact After dislocating his shoulder in late-February, Hernandez will miss the first couple months of the season. The 22-year-old outfielder slashed .298/.357/.379 through 141 Double-A plate appearances last season
MARCH 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Facing extended absence Hernandez was diagnosed with a dislocated right shoulder Sunday and is expected to be sidelined 3-to-4 months , Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Impact Hernandez suffered the injury Saturday on a diving catch in the outfield, and he'll be unavailable for at least the first couple months of the season. The 22-year-old was added to Kansas City's 40-man roster in November in order to protect him from the Rule 5 draft after he posted a .754 OPS between the High-A and Double-A levels last season.
FEBRUARY 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
