REPORT: Speedy Chicago Cubs Prospect Sets Minor League Franchise Record
The Chicago Cubs have a minor league prospect who may be one of the best base stealers in professional baseball. Never heard of Cristian Hernandez? The 20-year-old Dominican Republic native is out to change that, one stolen base at a time.
Hernandez is playing for the Cubs’ Class-A affiliate in Myrtle Beach, his fourth season in professional baseball. In the Pelicans’ game on Tuesday, he stole a pair of bases, bringing his season total to 33. This is his second season at Myrtle Beach, where he stole 27 bases in 2023. In 189 career games, Hernandez has amassed 60 stolen bases, making him the affiliate’s all-time career stolen base leader.
The milestone came during a 7-1 win over the Augusta GreenJackets, where Hernandez went 3-for-5 with a double and drove in four runs. MLB Pipeline lists him as Chicago’s No. 17 overall prospect, with a potential call-up expected in 2027.
Since signing with the Cubs as an international free agent, Hernandez has made steady progress. In 2021, his first professional season with the Dominican Summer League Cubs, he slashed .285/.398/.424/.822 with five home runs, 22 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in 47 games. In 2022, playing for the Arizona Complex League rookie team, he slashed .261/.320/.357/.677 with three home runs, 21 RBI, and six stolen bases in 44 games.
Hernandez struggled in his first year at Myrtle Beach, slashing .223/.302/.301/.603 with four home runs, 40 RBI, and 27 stolen bases in 2023. However, through 83 games this season, he has improved significantly at the plate, with a slash line of .263/.380/.393/.773, four home runs, 41 RBI, 20 doubles, and four triples.
Recently, Baseball America re-ranked the Top 100 prospects in baseball, and four Cubs prospects made the list: pitcher Cade Horton (No. 35), third baseman Matt Shaw (No. 41), outfielder Owen Caissie (No. 48), and shortstop Jefferson Rojas (No. 53). Hernandez’s current performance suggests he could soon join those rising stars. And when he does, he’ll probably be on the run.