The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly set to meet with Bo Bichette on Monday, but their efforts to strengthen the major-league roster haven’t stopped them from making changes at the minor-league level. On Saturday, the Phillies released right-handed pitcher Maxwel Hernandez, according to his minor league transactions log.
Hernandez originally signed with Philadelphia during the October 2021 international signing period as an 18-year-old out of the Dominican Republic.
He made his professional debut in 2022 with the Dominican Summer League, where he excelled. Starting 11 games for the DSL Phillies White, Hernandez posted a 0.72 ERA, led the team in strikeouts, and helped guide the club to a 40–19 record, a San Pedro Division title, and the 2022 Dominican Summer League championship.
Hernandez was named a 2022 Rookie Complex All-Star by Baseball America and returned to the Dominican Summer League the following season. In 2023, he posted a 2.76 ERA across 10 starts, leading the team in innings pitched, though he finished sixth in strikeouts. While still effective, he wasn’t as dominant as he had been during his debut campaign.
In 2024, the Phillies promoted him to the Florida Complex League, where he recorded a 4.95 ERA while making eight starts and four multi-inning appearances out of the bullpen.
Last season, he again opened the year in the Florida Complex League before being promoted to Single-A Clearwater after 13 games. He was then moved to High-A Jersey Shore following three appearances. Overall, Hernandez finished the season with a 5.35 ERA and transitioned almost entirely into a bullpen role, making just one start
