Former Blue Julien Hernandez Signs Pro Contract With Diamondbacks

6/24/2026 12:13:00 PM

Whitman College baseball alumnus Julien Hernandez ('24) is taking the next step in his playing career, signing a professional contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Hernandez becomes the latest Blues standout to reach the professional ranks, turning years of development at Whitman and at other stops into an opportunity at the next level.

Whitman head coach Brian Kitamura commented on Hernandez's historic signing. "Julien's workmanship and drive to be the best that he can be has been tremendous from day one of his college career. He has truly earned this opportunity to play professionally and I could not be happier for him and his family. The Diamondbacks are getting a great pitcher and an ultimate competitor."

Hernandez will join the D-Backs' Single-A affiliate, the Visalia Rawhide.

Hernandez, prior to his signing, had been pitching for The Long Beach Coast of the Pioneer Baseball League where has spent the previous two seasons. The signing was the first-ever for the team and third in Whitman history, the most recent being Jack Hostetler by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The hard-throwing right-hander exited Whitman as one of the finest pitchers to run through the program. He was named the Northwest Conference's Pitcher of the Year and earned multiple all-region honors.

Before joining the Coast, Hernandez spent the 2025 season with another Pioneer Baseball League team in the Idaho Falls Chukars. He played collegiate baseball at Whitman College and the University of Oregon. Hernandez has made 13 appearances for the Coast so far this season, sporting an impressive 2.89 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP. In 18 2/3 innings, he had 28 strikeouts, including 10 of which came in a pair of five-strikeout appearances in relief.

#GoWhitman

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