Who is Darell Hernaiz? Meet A's minor leaguer who hit walk-off HR for Puerto Rico in WBC game vs. Panama

Although many counted out Puerto Rico’s World Baseball Classic team when stars Francisco Lindor and Carlos Correa were ineligible to play due to insurance reasons, Puerto Ricans still had a reason to cheer.

In the bottom of the last inning in Saturday’s 10-inning game against Panama, the team found itself down 3-2. Carlos Cortes hit an RBI double play to tie the game for Puerto Rico. Although this cleared the bases, Darell Hernaiz was unfazed.

He hit just the second walk-off home run in WBC history (the first came off Ozzie Albies’ bat just six hours earlier) and led Puerto Rico to a 4-3 victory at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

Here’s what you need to know about the career of the Athletics’ Darell Hernaiz and his walk-off home run for Puerto Rico.

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Who is Darell Hernaiz?

Darell Hernaiz is currently a minor league player for the Athletics. Hernaiz was born on August 3, 2001, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He entered the MLB out of Americas High School in El Paso, Texas.

He was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 5th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. In January 2023, he was traded to the Athletics in exchange for pitcher Cole Irvin.

Hernaiz had a .455 average in 2026 spring training with one RBI and an OPS of 1.265.

MORE: World Baseball Classic rosters by MLB team

Darell Hernaiz walk-off HR

After Yankees infielder Jose Caballero singled to put Panama up 3-2 in the top of the 10th inning, Puerto Rico's Carlos Cortes hit an RBI double-play to tie the game for Puerto Rico. This set up Darell Hernaiz's walk-off home run:

IT'S GONE!
PUERTO RICO WINS!
DARELL HERNAIZ, WALK-OFF HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/L2kIDmzi5N

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was unable to suit up for Puerto Rico due to insurance reasons, cheered on his team while watching the walkoff at home with his family.

Puerto Rico is now 2-0 in group play in the 2026 WBC, with a game on Monday night against Cuba. Cuba defeated Panama 3-1 in their opening game and has a game on Sunday against Colombia before the two Caribbean sides meet.

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Darell Hernaiz MLB team

Darell Hernaiz currently plays for the Athletics. He was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft but was included in a 2023 trade for pitcher Cole Irvin.

Last season, Hernaiz suited up for 51 games for the Athletics and had a .231 average with two home runs and 16 RBIs.

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Has Darell Hernaiz played in the majors

Hernaiz has played two seasons in the MLB.

In 2024, Hernaiz played 48 games for the Athletics and had a batting average of .192 with a homer, 12 RBIs, and an OPS of .503.

In 2025, he increased his average by 39 points and hit .231. Hernaiz also slugged two HRs and punched in 16 RBIs, with an OPS of .598.

MORE: Which players is Puerto Rico missing at this year's WBC?

Where is Darell Hernaiz from?

Hernaiz is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He also attended the Americas High School in El Paso, Texas.

Despite being committed to Texas Tech for college ball, he opted to enter the 2019 MLB Draft and was selected in the fifth round by the Baltimore Orioles.