The Yankees are set to claim outfielder Yanquiel Fernández off waivers from the Rockies, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR. This move comes after Colorado designated him for assignment a week ago. While the Yankees haven't officially announced the claim, they will need to make a corresponding move to open a 40-man spot. Fernández, a 23-year-old international signing from Cuba, was once a top prospect in the Rockies' system, boosting his stock with a strong 2023 season. He hit 25 home runs across three levels, topping out at Double-A. However, his performance has dipped since then. With 147 big league plate appearances, his .225/.265/.348 line and 29.9% strikeout rate indicate a decline in offensive production. In Triple-A, his .259/.320/.437 line translates to a 77 wRC+ in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, which is a significant drop from his previous performance. Fernández's lack of speed and defensive capabilities as a corner outfielder further limit his value. The Rockies' recent front office overhaul, with the departure of general manager Bill Schmidt, suggests a shift in focus. The new regime, led by president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta, may not have been bullish on Fernández's chances of contributing. Despite having a minor league option remaining, the Rockies opted to bump him off the roster in favor of more experienced players like Jake McCarthy and Edouard Julien. The Yankees, currently with a crowded outfield, are considering adding right-handed platoon players like Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater. Fernández, for now, is expected to be down the depth chart, and the Yankees might attempt to pass him through waivers in the future. If he retains his roster spot, he will likely get regular playing time in Triple-A.
