Arizona Diamondbacks Bolster Pitching Options with Junior Fernandez Signing
The Arizona Diamondbacks have taken a strategic step to enhance their pitching resources ahead of the upcoming season by securing right-hander Junior Fernandez on a minor league contract. The deal, which includes an invitation to the major league spring training camp, was officially finalized back in November, as confirmed by Fernandez's MLB.com profile. This move positions Fernandez among the non-roster invitees who are aiming to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the Diamondbacks' roster as the team gears up for competitive play.
Fernandez's Journey Back to the Majors
Now approaching 29 years of age, Fernandez is on a mission to return to the major leagues after an absence of more than three years from the highest level of professional baseball. His last appearance in an MLB game dates back to 2022, and he has faced significant challenges in recent seasons, including a rehabilitation period in 2024 following a brief stint with Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines. Prior to that, Fernandez navigated the Triple-A circuit, playing for multiple organizations such as the Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals in 2023, and later with the top affiliates of the Kansas City Royals and New York Mets.
In 2025, Fernandez accumulated 43 innings across various Triple-A stops, recording a 4.40 ERA. Despite control issues that led to a high 14% walk rate, he demonstrated impressive strikeout ability by fanning 29.5% of opposing hitters, highlighting his potential as a power arm.
Evaluating Fernandez's Strengths and Weaknesses
Fernandez's career has been marked by a compelling mix of high-velocity pitching and persistent command concerns. With a fastball that reaches the upper-90s, he possesses the raw power to generate swing-and-miss opportunities, but this has not consistently translated into success at the major league level. Over 54 innings in the MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates from 2019 to 2022, he posted a 5.17 ERA, accompanied by an 18.7% strikeout rate and a 13.9% walk rate, underscoring the control challenges that have hindered his progress.
As Fernandez turns 29 in March, questions linger about whether he can achieve a late-career breakthrough. For the Diamondbacks, however, this signing represents a low-risk gamble. While a non-roster invitation does not immediately address all of the team's bullpen needs, discovering a hidden gem like Fernandez could significantly bolster their relief corps and provide valuable depth as they contend in the upcoming season.
