Giants international acquisition already looks outstanding

Luis Hernandez signed with San Fran this offseason as part of their international class. The teenager immediately attracted attention based not just off his age, but the commitment the franchise has made in him already as well. Right off the bat, there are clear signs of why he's different than most Caribbean players who followed his same path:

• The Giants gave him a $5 million signing bonus, which was the centerpiece of their entire international class
• MLB Pipeline reportedly ranked him as the No. 1 international prospect in the class
• Scouts describe him as a true five-tool talent with unusually mature baseball instincts for his age

What's the timetable for the talented teenager?

While most would put a kid of Hernandez's age about 4-5 years away from cracking a Major League lineup, the Giants are being aggressive with the hardball hopeful's development. Normally, a Latin American prodigy spends at least a season or two in the Dominican Summer League before beginning their pro career in the United States. But San Francisco chose to slot Hernandez in rookie/A-Ball. So there's a chance he may be able to shorten that standard timetable by 1-2 years.

If his scouting report and rave reviews play out as planned, the the team could have a perennial All-Star and impact player. As his official MLB.com scouting report reads, Hernanez is an outstanding athlete, but it's his playing poise and early maturity that truly make him stand out.

Extremely advanced for a 17-year-old hitter, Hernández recognizes pitches well, makes good swing decisions, and strings together quality at-bats," the analysis states. He has a quick right-handed stroke, nice feel for the barrel, and focuses on working the ball from gap to gap."

"Though he's just 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, his hitting ability, bat speed, and history of making loud contact against quality competition bode well for 25-homer power once he matures physically."

"Once he's fully developed, Hernández could have four plus tools to go with average speed," the scouting report added. "He's a fundamentally sound player who's always under control at the plate and in the field, where he's a fluid and reliable shortstop with plus arm strength. His high baseball IQ enables him to play faster than his pure speed, and his work ethic should allow him to get the most out of his ability."