Darwinzon Hernandez Seeks MLB Return After Japan Success

Hernandez, once one of Boston’s top prospects, is looking to return to the majors after four seasons with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. He turns 30 in December and has not pitched in MLB since 2022.

The left-hander joined the Red Sox organization at 17 in 2014 and made his major-league debut in 2019. That year, he appeared in 29 games and recorded a 4.45 ERA over 30⅓ innings. He had a 2.16 ERA in seven appearances in 2020, then posted a 3.38 ERA across a career-high 48 outings in 2021.

After struggling in 2022, Hernandez continued his career in Japan. He recorded a 2.46 ERA, struck out 31% of batters and walked 8% over his NPB seasons, with a 2.98 ERA in 2025 and a 1.41 ERA in 47 appearances in 2026. His 2026 workload totaled 44⅔ innings.

Hernandez’s improved control and continued ability to throw hard could help him attract MLB interest. A minor-league deal or a low-cost major-league contract could be a path back, with Boston among the teams that could consider him as a bullpen option. His earlier status as the Red Sox’s No. 4 prospect reflects the promise he showed before leaving the majors.