The Braves have signed Elieser Hernandez to a minor league contract, marking a new chapter in his professional baseball journey. Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher, has had a varied career, with stops in the MLB and the KBO League. His most recent stint in the MLB was with the Brewers in 2024, where he pitched 15 2/3 innings before becoming a free agent. Hernandez then signed with the LG Twins of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in July 2024, showcasing his adaptability and global appeal in the sport.
Hernandez's journey began with the Marlins from 2018-2022, where he posted a 5.04 ERA over 287 2/3 innings, both as a starter and a reliever. However, his time with the Marlins came to an end when he was traded to the Mets in November 2022, but he didn't see any big league action due to injuries. The Braves, recognizing his potential, signed him to a minor league deal in November, giving him a chance to prove himself in their system.
In the KBO League, Hernandez demonstrated improved performance, with a 4.14 ERA, a 27.17% strikeout rate, and an 8.5% walk rate over 113 innings in the 2024-2025 seasons. However, his minor league contract with the Jays resulted in a 7.91 ERA in 19 1/3 frames with Triple-A Buffalo, indicating that he still has work to do to reach his full potential.
Over his 303 1/3 career innings in the MLB, Hernandez has a 5.10 ERA, a 7.6% walk rate, and a 21.8% strikeout rate. His biggest challenge has been giving up home runs, as he was taken yard 73 times during his relatively short Major League career. This inability to keep the ball in the park has limited his effectiveness as both a starter and a long reliever.
The Braves' decision to sign Hernandez to a minor league contract is a strategic move, as they will have the opportunity to evaluate his progress in their spring camp. While he might not be a guaranteed starter, his ability to pitch in games could give him an edge over other Triple-A assignments. The Braves already have a strong depth of starter-capable pitchers, but Hernandez's addition adds another layer of competition and potential for their pitching staff.
