The 19-year-old right-hander, the 2025 High School Gatorade National Player of the Year, was selected after a dominant senior season. His teammates Billy Carlson and Brady Ebel were also drafted,

Projected to be a top MLB Draft pick for the last two years, Hernandez’ name was called Wednesday night at the 2025 MLB Draft in Atlanta when he was selected No. 6 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hernandez will join fellow Californians Paul Skenes (El Toro High) and Jared Jones (La Mirada High).

Hernandez was considered the best right-handed high school pitcher in the draft after a sensational senior season in which he struck out 105 batters in 53 1/3 innings while walking only seven using a 99-mph fastball. His ERA was 0.39.