Yankees Add Outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez in Waiver Claim

The New York Yankees bolstered their organizational depth on Wednesday by claiming outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel for assignment, continuing the offseason shuffle that has reshaped parts of the Yankees’ roster.

Fernandez, 23, was originally signed by the Rockies as an undrafted free agent out of Havana, Cuba, in July 2019. He quickly rose through the minors, earning recognition as Colorado’s No. 3 prospect and appearing on lists of the top 100 prospects in baseball prior to the 2024 season. The Rockies designated him for assignment on January 28, allowing New York to acquire the young outfielder.

The move gives the Yankees a power-oriented corner outfielder with major league experience and a strong minor league track record. Fernandez reached the big leagues for the first time in 2025, appearing in 52 games and posting modest numbers in 147 plate appearances, hitting .225/.265/.348 with four home runs and 11 RBIs.

While his MLB production was limited, Fernandez has shown the ability to hit for power at the Triple-A level and throughout his minor league career. His addition gives New York more options in the outfield, though he is likely to spend time in the minors early in the season as he adjusts to a crowded roster.

1. Major and Minor League Performance

Fernandez made his major league debut in 2025, primarily playing right field. Across 52 games and 138 at-bats, he recorded a .225 batting average, a .265 on-base percentage, and a .348 slugging percentage, adding four home runs, five doubles, 11 RBIs, and eight walks. He struck out in nearly 30 percent of his plate appearances, highlighting areas for improvement at the top level. In Triple-A with Albuquerque, Fernandez displayed significantly more production. Over 64 games in the Pacific Coast League, he hit .284/.347/.502 with an .849 OPS, tallying 13 home runs, 14 doubles, 39 RBIs, and 43 runs scored. Adjusted for the hitter-friendly environment, his production translated to a 77 wRC+, suggesting potential to contribute at the major league level with further development. Across five minor league seasons from 2021–2025, Fernandez compiled a .279/.336/.478 slash line with 77 home runs, 113 doubles, nine triples, and 338 RBIs over 469 games. His consistent performance in the minors has cemented his reputation as a power-focused corner outfielder. Defensively, Fernandez has primarily manned right field, appearing 396 times in that position, with occasional experience in left field. He also has one minor league option remaining, providing the Yankees flexibility in how they manage his development and playing time.

2. Yankees Outfield Depth

The Yankees’ outfield picture is crowded at the major league level. Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham are projected as the primary regulars, while Giancarlo Stanton occupies the designated hitter role. Additionally, switch-hitter Jasson Dominguez and left-handed prospect Spencer Jones are in the mix for playing time. Given this depth, Fernandez is likely to start the season in Triple-A, receiving consistent at-bats and continuing his development. His skill set—particularly his power potential—could make him a midseason call-up option if injuries or performance issues arise at the major league level. New York’s front office has frequently valued versatility and minor league depth, and Fernandez fits that mold. The team now has an additional right-handed power bat in the system, strengthening the organization’s flexibility during a long 162-game season. The Yankees’ decision to claim Fernandez suggests they see long-term upside in a player who has shown flashes of power and run-producing ability but is still adjusting to major league pitching.

3. Dom Hamel Designated for Assignment

To clear space for Fernandez on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-handed pitcher Dom Hamel for assignment. The 27-year-old was claimed from the Texas Rangers just days earlier on January 27, continuing a period of frequent organizational moves for the pitcher. Hamel, a former Mets prospect, made his MLB debut in 2025, pitching one inning without allowing an earned run but surrendering three hits and one walk. He has changed organizations multiple times in recent months, including waiver claims by the Orioles and Rangers last September. The move underscores the often transient nature of roster management in Major League Baseball, where younger prospects with high upside can replace fringe players on the 40-man roster. While Hamel’s opportunities with the Yankees may now be limited, his experience and left-hand pitching profile could draw interest from other teams. For New York, the addition of Fernandez and the corresponding roster adjustment reflect a strategy of adding controllable talent with major league upside while managing the depth and flexibility of the 40-man roster heading into spring training.