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 pitched in a Major League game over three years ago, has struggled with control issues throughout his career. Despite his upper-90s velocity, his high walk rates have hindered his performance. In 2025, Fernandez posted a 4.40 ERA with a 29.5% strikeout rate and a 14% walk rate over 43 Triple-A 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. If Fernandez can overcome his control problems, he could become
a valuable asset to Arizona's bullpen, which is in need of reinforcement. His velocity is a rare commodity, and finding a way to harness it effectively could provide the team with a significant boost. This move also reflects the Diamondbacks' strategy of exploring under-the-radar talent to strengthen their roster without significant financial investment.
What's Next?
Fernandez will participate in the Diamondbacks' Spring Training, where the coaching staff will work on improving his command. If successful, he could earn a spot in the team's bullpen for the upcoming season. The Diamondbacks will continue to assess their bullpen needs and may explore additional signings or trades to bolster their relief corps. Fernandez's performance in Spring Training will be closely watched as the team evaluates his potential contribution to their pitching staff.
