According to Ben Badler of Baseball America, Jose Miguel Fernandez has defected from Cuba in hopes of pursuing a MLB contract. Fernandez was rated as the number three overall Cuban prospect by Badler prior to the season, and he’s expected to be in high demand around the league.
While he’s not a huge homerun threat, Badler says he’s a major league ready infielder with a quick bat and has outstanding plate discipline. Fernandez hit .326/.482/.456 in 2014 with only ten strikeouts and 65 walks during 315 plate appearances.
The 27 year old second baseman did not play during the entire 2015 season due to a suspension for trying to leave the country. However, his upside is clearly there and he always hits whenever he’s on the field. In the World Baseball Classic in 2013, he hit over .500 with a .545 OBP and had no strikeouts in 21 at bats.
Scouts have considered him as a respectable fielder at second base, but Balder says his speed and range have declined as he’s filled out over the years.
Given his skill set, I wonder if he’s a player the Mets will look at closely over the next several months. His tremendous approach at the plate makes him a perfect fit for the team’s hitting philosophy, and he would also give the team some talent and depth in the infield.
It’s going to be interesting to see what type of contract he’ll receive on the open market, but the Mets and the rest of the league will have to wait before finding out. Badler says that it’s unlikely that he’ll be ready to sign prior to opening day since he still needs to establish residence in another country and be declared a free agent before being eligible to sign.
