A week after being involved in uncertainty, Cuban outfielder Yankiel Fernández breathed a sigh of relief this Wednesday, upon receiving the news that the Yankees of New York They had become interested in his potential and decided to add him to their ranks.
The move guarantees, at least for now, the continuity of the 23-year-old player, who debuted last season in the Major Leagues (MLB) with the Colorado Rockies.
The Yankees announced today that they have claimed OF Yanquiel Fernández from waivers from the Colorado Rockies.
To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Dom Hamel was placed for assignment.
— New York Yankees (@LosYankeesPR) February 4, 2026
The franchise that had him in its minor league system since 2019, when it signed him in exchange for a $300,000 bonus, was inclined to designate him for assignment in order to open space on its main roster.
The decision surprised many, since Fernández was emerging as one of the organization’s main prospects based on his potential, both on defense and in the batter’s box.
His qualities ended up convincing the management to give him a chance last year, and the boy responded by posting a .225 offensive average in 52 games, and showing power by sending four balls out of bounds, according to the official statistics.
Cubans in MLB: Bryan Ramos and Yanquiel Fernández on the assignment route
Yankiel’s mission will be very complicated to find opportunities in the emblematic Big Apple team, full of stars in the outfield, a position in which they have been reinforced with the million-dollar acquisition of Cody Bellinger.
In any case, the Cuban will continue fighting to remain at the highest level, something that Bryan Ramos also guaranteed when he was “rescued” by the Baltimore Orioles.
The 23-year-old third baseman from the capital had suffered the same fate of being removed from the plans designed by the Chicago White Sox, also in need of space to shore up their bullpen.
Ramos had had very few opportunities to defend third base, a position that his compatriot Miguel Antonio Vargas took over since his arrival in the Windy City from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
