Ever wonder what happens to a talented pitcher who just can't shake off those nagging issues? The Braves have dipped back into the minor leagues to sign Elieser Hernandez, a right-hander with a history of ups and downs, reigniting hopes—and debates—about his potential resurgence. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a savvy reclamation project, or just another gamble on a guy who's struggled to keep the ball in the park?
Back in November, as detailed on Hernandez's MLB.com profile, the Braves inked him to a minor league deal. This move came after Hernandez wrapped up the 2025 season in the Blue Jays' farm system and chose to enter minor league free agency, a process that lets players shop around for new deals once their contracts expire, giving them a shot at fresh starts even without big-league commitments.
Atlanta fans might remember Hernandez from his time with the Marlins between 2018 and 2022. During those years, he pitched 287 and two-thirds innings, juggling roles as both a starter and a reliever, but his performance left a lot to be desired with a 5.04 ERA. That number might seem intimidating to newcomers, but think of it as a measure of how many runs he allowed per nine innings—higher than ideal, meaning opposing teams scored against him more often than not. Miami decided to cut ties in November 2022, sending him to the Mets, another rival in the NL East. Unfortunately, injuries kept Hernandez sidelined for most of his single season in New York, and he never made it to the majors there.
Undeterred, the right-hander bounced back in 2024, catching on with the Dodgers and then the Brewers. He threw 15 and two-thirds innings in the MLB, opting for free agency instead of accepting an outright assignment to the minors from Milwaukee—a smart move that preserved his negotiating power. Then, in a bold international leap, Hernandez joined the LG Twins in the Korea Baseball Organization starting in July 2024. Over the 2024-25 seasons, he racked up 113 innings, posting a 4.14 ERA, a solid 27.17% strikeout rate, and an 8.5% walk rate, which are all positive indicators of his ability to miss bats and command pitches. This stint drew interest from the Jays, but his minor league pact with Toronto yielded disappointing results: a 7.91 ERA in just 19 and one-third innings with Triple-A Buffalo, highlighting the challenges of adapting to different leagues or teams.
Looking at his overall career in the majors, spanning 303 and one-third innings, Hernandez boasts a 5.10 ERA, a 7.6% walk rate, and a 21.8% strikeout rate. For beginners, that ERA shows his earned run average, the walk rate indicates how often he put runners on base unintentionally, and the strikeout rate reflects his talent for overpowering hitters. His biggest hurdle, though, has been giving up home runs—73 of them in his limited big-league time. To put it simply, when batters hit the ball out of the stadium, it inflates his ERA and makes it tough for him to succeed as a starter or even a long reliever who might need to pitch multiple innings. It's like trying to build a house on shaky ground; the foundation just isn't stable.
While Hernandez improved on limiting homers in the KBO and briefly with the Jays, his struggles in Buffalo suggest he's still evolving, a classic 'work in progress' story in baseball. And this is the part most people miss: The Braves are the latest team betting on him, adding him to their spring training mix of pitchers on minor league deals who have MLB experience. His starting capabilities could give him an edge in competing for a spot in Triple-A, especially since the Braves already have a solid group of pitchers ready for depth roles. But does that mean Atlanta should prioritize him over others, or is this just another example of a team chasing past glory?
What do you think—can Hernandez turn it around and become a reliable arm for the Braves, or is his home run problem a deal-breaker? Do you see value in international experience like his time in Korea boosting a player's stock, or should teams stick to domestic talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on reclamation projects in baseball!
