The Yankees have been adding an exorbitant number of minor league contracts to compete this upcoming spring training. One of the more exciting players was Junior Fernandez, a 25-year-old relief pitcher coming off a solid season with both the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Across 18.2 innings last season, he recorded a 2.41 ERA, a 93.3% left-on base rate and a 58.9% ground ball rate. He did give up a few home runs, recording a 1.45 HR/9 rate, but he was otherwise strong, utilizing insane velocity to his advantage.
The Yankees might’ve been able to get the best out of Junior Fernandez:
Having spent time with the Cardinals and Pirates, the Yankees were intrigued by his services at such a young age.