Overview
- Fernández cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he will attend major-league spring training as a non-roster invitee.
- The outfielder was claimed from the Rockies on February 4, designated for assignment on February 9, and then passed through waivers to remain with the organization.
- By being outrighted, he is off the 40-man roster and would require a subsequent move for the Yankees to call him up during the season.
- He struggled in 52 MLB games last year (.225 with four home runs, 55 wRC+) after producing a .284/.347/.502 line with 13 homers in Triple-A and showing top-tier arm strength reported at 97.2 mph from right field.
- With Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham set as starters, the club is weighing Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez for the fourth outfield role, with some reporting suggesting both could open in Triple-A to secure daily at-bats alongside utility options Oswaldo Cabrera and Amed Rosario.