MESA, Ariz. -- Darell Hernaiz visualized this opportunity three years ago.
Fresh off getting traded to the Athletics in 2023 just a couple of months prior, Hernaiz sat inside his hotel room during Spring Training and watched his native Puerto Rico represent the island in the World Baseball Classic, envisioning himself one day donning that uniform.
“In my head, I was like, ‘I want to be part of the next one,'” Hernaiz recalled. “I told myself, ‘Hopefully, I’m in the big leagues and can be part of the next one.’”
Three years later, that goal is turning into a reality. Hernaiz has earned a spot on Puerto Rico’s roster for the 2026 WBC. To make things even sweeter, Puerto Rico’s pool-play round will take place at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, the city where Hernaiz was born and grew up in his early years before moving to El Paso, Texas as a child.
“It means a lot,” Hernaiz said. “Most of my family still lives there. I take a lot of pride in it. … That was probably my No. 1 dream when I was little. I didn’t even know what the big leagues were. But I knew what the WBC was and what it meant to represent Puerto Rico just living there.”
When Puerto Rico manager Yadier Molina called this offseason about playing, Hernaiz mulled it over for a while. This is the opportunity he’s waited a lifetime for. On the other hand, this is a pivotal Spring Training for him.
Assuming health, the A’s are set at pretty much every position on the diamond except for third base, which remains wide open entering camp. Hernaiz is firmly in the mix for that spot this spring, along with Max Muncy and Brett Harris, both of whom saw time at the position for the A’s last season. Andy Ibañez, a utility infielder who the A’s claimed off waivers from the Dodgers last week, is also expected to get some time at third.
After discussing his options with manager Mark Kotsay and general manager David Forst -- both encouraged him to take advantage of the opportunity -- Hernaiz accepted the offer. He will remain in Arizona practicing with the A’s until reporting to Puerto Rico’s camp in Florida on March 1.
“It wasn’t a super easy decision,” Hernaiz said. “I’m obviously competing for a spot. But I thought it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. You’re playing against the best in the world. So, I’ll go take it one day at a time.
“When I’m here, focus on being here and grind. When I’m [in the WBC], try to get at-bats and perform. Just do the best I can. I’ll be back at some point and try to go win a job doing whatever they ask me to do.”
Playing time was also a factor for Hernaiz. With Puerto Rican stars such as Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Báez absent from this year’s tournament, Hernaiz could be in line to play shortstop or second base for Puerto Rico.
Other notable players on Puerto Rico’s roster include fellow A’s teammate Carlos Cortes, D-backs third baseman Nolan Arenado, Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos and Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz.
“I feel pretty good about [our chances],” Hernaiz said. “It sucks not having those three guys. But it’ll be fun. The way we play the game, we play it hard and I think we’ll have success. God willing, we get out of the pool and make a run. Maybe shock the world.”
Hernaiz will enjoy the ride with Puerto Rico for as long as it lasts. Once he returns to camp in March, he’ll look to continue pushing for an Opening Day roster spot.
Hernaiz left a strong impression on the coaching staff with the quality of his at-bats over the second half of the 2025 season. He followed that up by working on some slight mechanical adjustments to his swing this offseason that he believes will help him drive the ball to the gaps with more consistency. The 24-year-old has proven his ability to do so in the Minors (he's a career .297 hitter there), but has struggled with it at times during his big league stints over the past two years.
“I know I can be even better than what I showed last year,” Hernaiz said. “I went into the offseason very motivated and I’m feeling good. I worked on all aspects of my game. I’m ready to show that off and, hopefully, establish myself this year.”