Darell Hernaiz Fights for Opportunity with A's This Spring

The young infielder is competing for a spot at third base after a challenging 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Darell Hernaiz, a former Baltimore Orioles prospect now with the Oakland A's, is battling for a spot at third base this spring training. After struggling in his initial 2024 MLB stint, Hernaiz returned to the A's later that year and started to turn things around before a left ankle injury sidelined him. Now healthy, he's competing with Max Muncy and Brett Harris for the starting third base job, hoping to prove he can provide the A's with a high-contact bat and solid defense at the hot corner.

Why it matters

The A's are looking to build a competitive roster around their young core, and Hernaiz represents an intriguing option at third base if he can continue to develop his game. His journey through the minors and early MLB experience shows the challenges young players face in establishing themselves at the big league level.

The details

Hernaiz was acquired by the A's in a 2023 trade with the Orioles, where he had been part of a crowded system. After making the A's Opening Day roster in 2024, he struggled initially before being sent down, then returned and started to turn things around before an injury. Now healthy, he's competing this spring with veteran Max Muncy and prospect Brett Harris for the starting third base job, hoping to prove he can be a high-contact, solid defensive option for the A's.

  • Hernaiz made the A's Opening Day roster in 2024.
  • He struggled early in 2024, batting just .103 through mid-April, and was optioned to Triple-A.
  • Hernaiz returned to the A's eight days later and went 9-for-37 (.243) before a left ankle injury sidelined him until August.
  • Hernaiz will get his first start at third base this spring on Tuesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Darell Hernaiz

A young infielder acquired by the Oakland A's in a 2023 trade with the Baltimore Orioles, where he was part of a crowded system of top prospects. He's now competing for the starting third base job with the A's this spring training.

Max Muncy

A veteran infielder who is considered the favorite to win the starting third base job with the A's this spring.

Brett Harris

A prospect infielder who is also competing with Hernaiz and Muncy for the A's starting third base role.

Jacob Wilson

An infielder who joined the A's later in the 2025 season, further complicating the competition for playing time that Hernaiz faced.

Nick Kurtz

The A's first baseman, who Hernaiz praised for his impressive strike zone awareness and power.

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What they’re saying

“A little bit. It had a lot to do with my confidence, and my mental, knowing I could do it at the big leaugue level. I always thought I could, but actually having a little bit of success helped me out, mentally. It's all about getting reps at feeling comfortable at that level.”

— Darell Hernaiz, Oakland A's Infielder (SI.com)

“Just walking around you see Jacob [Wilson] from last year to this year, he knew he was good, but now he knows [he can] in the big leagues, he's done it. Or [Tyler] Soderstrom, he always had the talent. Now, he knows, everybody knows, there's no doubt. I think everyone walks around knowing that they're going to do it, or knowing they did it, not 'I think I can do it.'”

— Darell Hernaiz, Oakland A's Infielder (SI.com)

“I mean, there's a lot of guys that have a lot of hype, but the guy just has an unbelievable strike zone awareness, and that's the most important thing in the big leagues. It's the thing I've struggled with, and a lot of young guys, too. He just hit the ball so hard, and he knows how to drive the ball in the air, so he's not wasting his power.”

— Darell Hernaiz, Oakland A's Infielder (SI.com)

What’s next

Hernaiz will get his first start at third base this spring on Tuesday, March 5, 2026, as he continues to compete with Max Muncy and Brett Harris for the starting job.

The takeaway

Darell Hernaiz's journey to the big leagues has been filled with challenges, but he's determined to prove he can be a valuable contributor for the A's this season. His ability to adapt and learn from his early MLB struggles could give him an edge in the competition for the starting third base role.