Yanquiel Fernández is the #11 prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization. The 20 year old from Havana, Cuba signed with ball club in 2019 for 295,000. Last year the outfielder had an excellent season with the Fresno Grizzlies (A) setting the franchise’s all-time single season RBI record with 109.
Fernández was selected the player of week twice (June,August) last season in the California League. The slugger also finished in the Top-10 all-time in a single in doubles (33,T-6) and total bases (241,10). In the opinion of many Yanquiel is the most dangerous power-hitter with the Rockies organization.
Fernández’s slash line of .284/.340/.507/.847 suggest that he has the potential to become a complete hitter. Of his 135 hits on the season 59 went for extra bases. The slugger was selected to the California League’s postseason all league team as a designated hitter.
Welcome to the @FresnoGrizzlies history books, Yanquiel Fernandez!
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 2, 2022
The No. 12 @Rockies prospect ties the single-season club record with his 108th RBI. pic.twitter.com/ALTt45Yi9a
Scouting report (MLB):
Fernandez has plenty of raw power that he’s just learning to harness and can hit for power to all fields, proving he’s the type of hitter who can create plenty of RBI situations.
Fernández fits the profile of corner outfielders very well, both because of his run-producing potential and above average arm makes him look like a good in right field. He got some good pointers from Yordan Alvarez last season, and if the adjustments he showed in his approach last year are anything to go by, he could be close to living up to becoming the polished hitter he’s projected to be.
Scouting grades (20-80).
Contact: 50 | Power: 54 | Speed: 40 | Arm: 60 | Defense: 50 | Overall: 50
Projection (2023):
Colorado is excited about Fernández’s upside, but they are not going to rush him, according to MLB.com he should be debuting in the Major Leagues by 2025. This year he will once again begin his season in Class A but might end the season with the Spokane Indians (A+) and depending on his progress he could reach as high as Double A by year’s end.