Yankees Claim Outfielder Yanquiel Fernández Off Waivers

The New York Yankees continued their active approach to roster management on Wednesday by claiming outfielder Yanquiel Fernández off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, designating right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel for assignment in a corresponding move to clear space on their 40-man roster.

Fernández, a 23-year-old left-handed hitter and Cuba native, signed with the Rockies as an international free agent in 2019 for $295,000. He made his major league debut last season, appearing in 52 games and batting .225 with four home runs, five doubles, 11 RBI and eight walks, posting a .613 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. His performance in the majors was modest, but he showed greater promise in the minors, particularly at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he hit .284 with 13 home runs, 14 doubles and an .849 OPS over 64 games. Predominantly a right fielder, Fernández possesses one of the strongest arms in baseball, with throws averaging 97.2 miles per hour, ranking second among major leaguers last season behind Pittsburgh's Oneil Cruz. He has one minor league option remaining, allowing the Yankees to option him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for depth without exposing him to waivers again.