Daysbel Hernández is a right-handed relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, and since his debut, he’s been turning heads in Major League Baseball. Born on September 15, 1996, in Sandino, Cuba, this 5’10” pitcher brings both power and precision to Atlanta’s bullpen.
His path from Cuba to the majors is honestly one of the more interesting international stories in baseball right now.
Hernández agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves for $770,000, all of it guaranteed—a solid figure for a developing reliever these days. The Braves clearly see something in him, and they’re putting their trust (and money) behind his potential. Even though he’s still early in his MLB journey, Hernández has already moved past rookie status, showing he’s carving out a bigger role with the team.
His net worth is modest compared to the league’s veterans, but you can see the upward trend as he gets more experience. At 220 pounds, the Cuban-born pitcher pairs a sturdy build with a blazing fastball that’s quickly become his trademark. As he keeps working on his pitching arsenal, baseball insiders seem pretty optimistic about his future with the Atlanta Braves.
Early Life and Background
Daysbel Hernández came into the world on September 15, 1996, in Sandino, Cuba. Cuba’s rich baseball culture shaped his childhood and helped him hone his pitching from a pretty young age.
Family and Hometown
Hernández grew up in Sandino, a municipality in Cuba’s western province of Pinar del Río. This area is known for producing baseball talent, even though most players learn on basic fields with limited gear.
Details about his parents are private, but, like a lot of Cuban athletes, family support made a big difference in his journey.
Life in Sandino, with its unique cultural and economic challenges, helped mold Hernández’s determined approach to baseball. He eventually built up a strong 220-pound frame, which says a lot about the discipline it takes to get noticed in Cuban baseball.
Amateur Baseball Career
Before he went pro, Hernández sharpened his pitching in Cuba’s structured baseball system. Cuban youth leagues are famous for tough training and technical coaching—those early years shaped his mechanics.
He stood out early, especially with a fastball that would become his go-to pitch. Unlike kids in Florida or California who get scouted at big showcases, Cuban players usually get noticed through national series games.
His strong showings in Cuba’s amateur leagues eventually drew MLB scouts’ attention. This happened during a time when MLB-Cuba relations were shifting, opening new doors for Cuban players to chase big league dreams.
Professional Baseball Career
Daysbel Hernández has traveled a winding road from Cuba to Major League Baseball, facing plenty of obstacles along the way. His career so far includes promising minor league performances, a long-awaited MLB debut, and the grit to bounce back from setbacks.
Minor League Journey
Hernández kicked off his pro career in the Atlanta Braves organization after leaving Cuba. He brought a powerful arm and a lot of promise to the Braves’ farm system.
He moved up through the minor leagues, showing off his developing skills at each level. His fastball velocity and better control made him an intriguing prospect in the Braves’ pipeline.
During his time in the minors, Hernández racked up strikeouts at a strong clip, which made him a valuable bullpen option. He earned recognition as one of the Braves’ more interesting relief prospects.
He didn’t have an easy ride through the farm system, but sticking with it and working on his secondary pitches helped him inch closer to the majors.
MLB Debut and Teams
Hernández finally reached the majors with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves added him to the big league roster, and he signed a contract worth $770,000.
At 5’10” and 220 pounds, he brought his power arm right into the Braves bullpen. His contract reflected the typical first-year MLB salary, fitting his status as a developing reliever.
He’s mostly been with the Braves, but his career has already included facing division rivals and even teams like the Astros in interleague matchups.
Getting MLB experience has given him the chance to face top competition and keep sharpening his pitching at the highest level.
Notable Performances
Hernández has delivered some pretty impressive outings so far, showing flashes of what he can do. He’s managed to rack up strikeouts in big moments, which is always fun to watch.
Some of his best games came in high-pressure situations, where his power pitching really paid off. His lively fastball has helped him keep home runs to a minimum during key moments.
His stats show growing consistency and effectiveness out of the bullpen. These performances highlight not just his raw talent, but also his rising confidence on the mound.
Teammates and coaches have noticed his work ethic and ability to handle pressure, which definitely bodes well for his future.
Injuries and Recovery
Like a lot of hard-throwing relievers, Hernández has dealt with some injuries. Arm issues have sidelined him at times and slowed his progress.
The most serious setback was an arm injury that required a long rehab. The Braves put him on the injured list, pausing his development at a pretty crucial point.
He’s managed to avoid Tommy John surgery so far, but he still has to be careful with his arm. His recovery showed a lot of determination and a real commitment to getting back to form.
The Braves have taken their time with his rehab, wanting to develop his talent without rushing things. They’re obviously thinking long-term, hoping to keep him healthy and effective in the years ahead.
Daysbel Hernández’s Contract Details
Daysbel Hernández’s contract journey started when he first signed as an international free agent and has now moved to pre-arbitration status with the Atlanta Braves. His contract story really just follows the typical path for most young MLB pitchers.
Initial Signing and Terms
Hernández began his pro career after he signed with the Atlanta Braves on September 17, 2017, as a free agent from Cuba. The Braves gave him a $190,000 signing bonus, betting on his potential as a reliever.
That first contract put him in the Braves’ minor league system, earning a standard minor league salary. Like most international signings, the deal gave the team control for several years as he worked his way up.
The bonus wasn’t huge, but for a relief prospect, it was a decent start and gave him the shot he needed to prove himself.
Contract Extensions
So far, Hernández hasn’t signed any formal contract extensions beyond his original deal. He’s followed the usual prospect path, with his contract renewed every year at the team’s discretion during his minor league run.
The biggest contract development came on July 23, 2023, when the Braves selected his contract and put him on the 40-man roster. That meant:
- He was protected from the Rule 5 Draft
- He got a big salary bump to the MLB minimum
- He joined the 40-man roster
- His MLB service time clock started
This wasn’t an extension, just a promotion to the major league level.
Free Agency Considerations
As of May 2025, Daysbel Hernández is still in pre-arbitration, according to his 2025 contract status. He can’t hit free agency yet and remains under team control.
Players need six full years of MLB service before they can become free agents. Since Hernández debuted in July 2023, he’s still a few years away—probably not until after the 2029 season.
His pay follows the usual pre-arbitration pattern:
- League minimum salary or just above
- Annual renewals decided by the team
- No real negotiating power until arbitration
If he keeps improving, he could become arbitration-eligible around 2026, which would give him more say in his salary before eventually testing the open market.
Net Worth and Earnings
Daysbel Hernández has started to build some wealth early in his MLB career, mostly through his Braves contract. He’s still laying the groundwork financially as he settles into the big leagues.
Salary Breakdown
Hernández signed a 1-year, $770,000 contract with the Atlanta Braves, marking his first major league payday. That’s $770,000 guaranteed, with an average annual salary of—you guessed it—$770,000.
As a rookie pitcher, his salary sits right around the MLB minimum. If he performs, there’s a good chance his earnings will jump in the coming years.
Before the majors, Hernández made a lot less in the minor leagues, where pay is usually between $40,000 and $90,000 a year. Back in Cuba and the developmental leagues, his earnings were even lower.
Here’s a quick look at his pay so far:
Year | Team | Salary |
---|---|---|
2023 | Minor Leagues | ~$50,000 (est.) |
2024-2025 | Atlanta Braves | $770,000 |
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Hernández hasn’t landed any major endorsement deals yet, which makes sense for a rookie still making his mark. He doesn’t have the big national sponsorships you see with MLB veterans.
Right now, most of his endorsements are equipment-based—think gloves, shoes, and training gear. Companies provide the gear, but there’s not much cash involved.
No huge ad campaigns yet, but as he builds his name in Atlanta, local businesses might start to take notice.
Investments and Assets
Hernández is just starting to build his investment portfolio. With his first real MLB salary, he’s probably focusing on the basics:
- Emergency savings
- Retirement accounts
- Maybe a modest real estate purchase
He probably has a main place in Atlanta during the season, but there’s nothing public about any big property buys.
A lot of Cuban MLB players send money home to help family, and Hernández likely does the same. That can shape how he handles his finances.
MLB’s Players Association offers financial education, so young guys like Hernández get advice on investing, taxes, and planning for the future.
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
When he’s not throwing fastballs and sliders, Daysbel Hernández has started making an impact off the field, too. He’s involved in humanitarian work, mentors younger players, and uses his own experiences to advocate for others.
Charitable Initiatives
Hernández has quietly earned a reputation for giving back to communities in both his native Cuba and the United States.
Right after he signed his contract with the Atlanta Braves, he started a foundation that provides baseball equipment to underprivileged kids in Atlanta neighborhoods.
Every year, he hosts a baseball clinic for dozens of children who might otherwise never get anywhere near professional training.
At these events, kids get:
- Free baseball equipment
- Skills training sessions
- Nutritional guidance
- Academic encouragement
During one clinic, Hernández said, “Baseball gave me everything. It’s only right that I use this platform to create opportunities for kids who dream the same dreams I had.” You can tell he means it, too.
Role Model Status
As a Cuban-born player who fought his way into Major League Baseball, Hernández inspires a lot of young Latin American athletes.
His story really hits home for young players dealing with migration challenges.
Teammates often talk about his work ethic and professionalism. In the Braves clubhouse, several younger pitchers have mentioned how much Hernández has helped them, even though he hasn’t been in the majors all that long himself.
The Braves organization regularly features him in their community outreach programs. They know he connects with young fans, especially in Atlanta’s growing Latin American communities.
Mental Health Advocacy
Maybe Hernández’s most meaningful contribution comes from how openly he talks about the mental challenges that professional athletes deal with.
He draws on his own experience as an immigrant athlete. He’s spoken honestly about struggling to adjust, dealing with language barriers, and feeling the pressure to perform.
He teamed up with the Players Association to join a mental health awareness campaign aimed at minor league players.
This initiative gives international players resources to help with cultural adaptation and the pain of being separated from family.
During a panel, Hernández admitted, “The mental game is harder than throwing 100 mph.” That stuck with people. He said learning to handle anxiety and homesickness was the toughest part for him.
His advocacy really started a shift. Now, people in baseball talk more openly about mental health, even though the sport has a long history of ignoring it.
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