The New York Yankees are set to claim outfielder Yanquiel Fernández off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR. Just a week ago, Fernández was designated for assignment by the Rockies. Although the Yankees have yet to make an official announcement regarding this acquisition, it is expected that they will need to make a corresponding roster move to create a spot on their 40-man roster.
At just 23 years old, Fernández was once regarded as one of the most promising talents in the Rockies’ farm system. This international signing from Cuba elevated his status significantly after a remarkable 2023 season where he belted 25 home runs across three different levels of minor league baseball, ultimately reaching Double-A. With an eye toward the upcoming 2024 season, the Rockies added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft. Baseball America even recognized his potential, ranking him as the third-best prospect in the Rockies' organization and the 92nd best in all of Major League Baseball.
However, since then, his trajectory has taken a downward turn. Over the course of 147 plate appearances in the major leagues, Fernández compiled a batting line of .225/.265/.348, coupled with a strikeout rate of 29.9%. His performance in Triple-A, where he recorded a .259/.320/.437 line across 409 plate appearances, initially appears satisfactory. Yet this underwhelming performance translates to a wRC+ of just 77 in the Pacific Coast League, known for its hitter-friendly conditions. This decline in production is particularly concerning for Fernández, who isn’t known for stealing bases and plays in a corner outfield position. While he possesses a strong throwing arm, he does not stand out defensively. His best chance to add value lies in his hitting power.
The Rockies recently revamped their front office, letting go of general manager Bill Schmidt in the fall. The new leadership team, headed by Paul DePodesta, seems skeptical about Fernández's ability to regain his former promise. Although he still has a minor league option available, which could have allowed him to remain in Triple-A as a depth player, the Rockies opted to remove him from their roster in favor of acquiring slightly more seasoned players such as Jake McCarthy and Edouard Julien.
Currently, the Yankees find themselves with a somewhat crowded outfield situation. They anticipate regular contributions from Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger, with Giancarlo Stanton expected to occupy the designated hitter role. Additionally, they have prospects Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones in the mix, while exploring the trade market for right-handed hitting options like Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater. Other non-roster players, including Marco Luciano and Seth Brown, are also available for additional depth.
As the season progresses, this landscape could shift. There are various injury concerns, particularly surrounding Stanton, and trade rumors have circulated regarding both Domínguez and Jones. For now, however, Fernández is likely to find himself low on the Yankees' depth chart. It’s possible that the Yankees may choose to pass him through waivers in the future. If he manages to hold onto his roster spot, he will probably see considerable playing time in Triple-A.
