Gorkys Hernández


Gorkys Gustavo Hernández Lugo is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox.

Career

Detroit Tigers

Hernandez signed with the Detroit Tigers in April 2005. In 2007, as a member of the West Michigan Whitecaps, he was named a Midwest League Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star, was named Midwest League MVP, and competed in the All-Star Futures Game for the World Team. On October 29, 2007, Hernández was traded by the Detroit Tigers along with pitcher Jair Jurrjens to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for shortstop Édgar Rentería.

Atlanta Braves

Hernández was listed as the fifth-best prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization by Baseball America. before the 2008 season. On June 3, 2009, the Braves traded Hernández along with Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Nate McLouth.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On May 18, 2012, he was called up to the big league club. He made his major league debut on May 21, and struck out as a pinch hitter. On May 27, he got his first major league hit, a 2-run single off Chicago Cubs pitcher Michael Bowden.

Miami Marlins

On July 31, 2012, the Pirates traded Hernández and a 2013 draft pick to the Miami Marlins for Gaby Sánchez and Kyle Kaminska.

Kansas City Royals

On July 21, 2013, Hernández was traded to the Kansas City Royals organization. Hernández was assigned to the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals' Triple-A affiliate. On November 23, 2013, Hernandez re-signed a minor league contract with Kansas City.

Chicago White Sox

On April 10, 2014, Hernández was traded to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations and assigned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He was released on June 11, 2014.

Return to the Pirates

Hernández rejoined the Pirates on December 1, 2014, agreeing to a minor league deal that included an invitation to spring training. On June 28, 2015, Gorkys Hernández was called up to the majors and started in right field.

San Francisco Giants

In 2016, Hernández agreed to a minor league deal with the Giants. The Giants promoted him to the major leagues on August 23 to replace the injured Gregor Blanco. In 2018, due to numerous injuries to the outfield, he was placed as the center fielder for the Giants, establishing career highs offensively.

Boston Red Sox

On December 11, 2018, Hernández signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox, and was assigned to the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox. On September 1, 2019, the Red Sox selected Hernández's contract, adding him to their active MLB roster. He appeared in 20 games with the 2019 Red Sox, batting.143 with two RBIs. With Triple-A Pawtucket, he appeared in 123 games, batting.219 with 16 home runs and 53 RBIs. Hernández was removed from Boston's 40-man roster in October and sent outright to Pawtucket. On October 21, he elected to become a free agent.

Chicago White Sox (second stint)

On February 17, 2020, Hernandez signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. He was released prior to the season on June 18, 2020.

Awards and honors