[Romero] Padres’ top prospect in the 2026 IFA class is SS Joniel Hernandez. Getting a $1.1 mil bonus…MLB International rank 13.

Paid article from Francis Romero – https://www.beisbolfr.com/p/mlb-international-signing-period-a21

Scouting report from MLB site:

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55

Cuban shortstops have an extensive Major League lineage from Bert Campaneris to Alexei Ramirez to Jose Iglesias and many others. Hernandez looks to join that group one day, choosing to train in the Dominican Republic with Jaime Ramos at his academy in San Cristóbal, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program. Those extensive reps at showcases and tournaments across the Dominican Republic have been key to the development of the Cuba native, who is long-bodied and lean, but also known as a hard worker off the field who maximizes his skill set in the weight room and continually refines his all-around game.

Hernandez utilizes the “whippy” swing that some clubs target for its ability to produce extra-base thump. A right-handed hitter, he has a controlled bat path and is able to generate tons of loft from his rangy frame. He features some significant bat wiggle and an upright stance, but it works for him as he’s able to crush a variety of offerings. There’s also plenty of room to add muscle as he continues to fill out, which when combined with his quick hands and short stride, make for one of the highest offensive upsides in the 2026 class.

Equipped with a quick first step and nose for the ball, Hernandez should get every opportunity to prove himself at shortstop in the pro ranks. That aforementioned natural size might mean he could slide over to third base in time and he’d fit there as the prototypical hot corner masher.