Oakland A’s Sign Nick Hernandez To Minor League Deal

The Oakland A’s are still hunting for overlooked bullpen help. They just agreed to a minor-league deal with right-handed reliever Nick Hernandez.

This move fits the club’s pattern—churning through experienced arms with some upside. It also creates a bit of internal competition before spring training gets rolling.

Nick Hernandez Joins the A’s on a Minor-League Deal

Hernandez, who turns 31 later this month, brings a winding baseball story. He grew up in Houston and the Astros picked him in the eighth round of the 2016 draft.

He spent about seven seasons in their system, bouncing between levels. Hernandez reached Triple-A and sometimes looked like a possible bullpen piece, but never quite broke through in Houston.

After the 2022–23 offseason, he hit minor-league free agency. The Padres picked him up, and he finally made his MLB debut in late 2023.

A Brief MLB Track Record

In the majors, Hernandez’s results have been pretty mixed. He pitched in 15 big-league games over the past two seasons, throwing 18 2/3 innings and giving up 13 runs.

He’s had trouble with the long ball—eight home runs allowed in 21 2/3 MLB innings. Those numbers, plus the limited chances, have led him to bounce between organizations.

His last run with Houston ended late in the season. The Astros designated him for assignment, he cleared waivers, and then he hit free agency again.

Strong Minor-League Performance, Lingering Concerns

Even with the rocky big-league outings, Hernandez’s minor-league stats still stand out. Last year in Triple-A, he posted a sharp 2.12 ERA across 46 2/3 innings and struck out 33.7% of hitters.

That strikeout rate usually turns heads. Still, his fastball sits around 91 mph, which isn’t exactly blowing anyone away. That leaves less room for error against MLB hitters, and it’s something you can’t ignore.

Pitch Mix and Control Issues

Hernandez leans on a low-80s slider and a splitter to get swings and misses. Both pitches have worked in the minors, but his control wobbles often.

He’s walked nearly 12% of Triple-A hitters for two years running. That’s a big reason he hasn’t locked down a real MLB job yet.

The A’s are hoping maybe a change of scenery or some tweaks can help him cut those walks down. Maybe it’s sequencing, maybe just confidence, who knows?

The A’s Broader Bullpen Strategy

Hernandez isn’t the only veteran arm Oakland’s grabbed this winter. Earlier in December, they signed righty Brooks Kriske to a minor-league deal—same idea, more bullpen depth.

Kriske, turning 32 in February, brings a similar profile. He racks up strikeouts in Triple-A but owns a 7.50 ERA in 18 MLB innings in 2025 and keeps battling control problems.

Spring Training Opportunities Await

The A’s don’t have many proven relievers on the roster right now. So, both Hernandez and Kriske will probably get non-roster invitations to big-league camp.

Their auditions will really matter, especially with Sutter Health Park being so hitter-friendly.

For the A’s, these moves are low-risk bets on experienced arms with some swing-and-miss potential.

Nick Hernandez gets another shot to turn his minor-league dominance into something more lasting in the majors.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A’s, Nick Hernandez Agree To Minor League Deal