What's Happening?
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-handed pitcher Junior Fernandez to a minor league contract, inviting him to their Spring Training camp. Fernandez, who last appeared in a Major League game over three years ago, has struggled with control issues throughout his career. Despite his upper-90s velocity, his command problems have hindered his performance, resulting in a 5.17 ERA over 54 innings in the MLB with the Cardinals and Pirates from 2019 to 2022. After a brief stint in Japan with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2024, where he spent most of his time recovering from injury, Fernandez returned to the U.S. to pitch at the Triple-A level. In 2025, he posted a 4.40 ERA with a 29.5% strikeout rate and a 14% walk rate over 43 innings. The Diamondbacks see
potential in Fernandez's velocity and hope to address his command issues during Spring Training.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Junior Fernandez represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Diamondbacks. With his impressive velocity, Fernandez could become a valuable asset if he can overcome his control issues. The Diamondbacks are in need of bullpen help, and while Fernandez's non-roster deal does not directly address this need, discovering a 'hidden gem' in Fernandez could significantly bolster their relief corps. This move highlights the team's strategy of exploring untapped potential in players who have shown flashes of talent but have yet to fully realize it at the Major League level. If successful, Fernandez could provide the Diamondbacks with a cost-effective solution to enhance their pitching staff.
What's Next?
As Spring Training progresses, the Diamondbacks will closely monitor Fernandez's performance and work on improving his command. If he shows signs of improvement, he could earn a spot in the team's bullpen, providing much-needed depth. The team will likely continue to evaluate other potential bullpen additions, but Fernandez's development could influence their decisions. Should he fail to address his control issues, the Diamondbacks may need to explore other options to strengthen their relief pitching. The outcome of Fernandez's performance in Spring Training will be crucial in determining his future with the team.
