The Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League announced this afternoon they’ve signed infielder José Miguel Fernández for the 2023 season. The left-handed hitter heads to Mexico after four seasons in South Korea.
Fernández, a native of Cuba, was a high-profile player in the Serie Nacional throughout his 20’s. He eventually defected and signed with the Dodgers, topping out at Triple-A. After being released by the Dodgers, he signed with the Angels going into the 2018 season. The left-handed hitter played well in Triple-A and earned an MLB call midseason, where he hit .267/.309/.388 over 36 games.
After that season, the Halos designated Fernández for assignment. He cleared waivers and then turned his attention overseas, signing with the Korea Baseball Organization’s Doosan Bears. That proved a fruitful signing for the Bears, as Fernández broke in with a .344/.409/.483 showing. He’d return to the Bears on a series of one-year deals in each of the ensuing three offseasons.
Fernández reached base at a .391 clip or better in each of his first three years, walking more often than he struck out in each season. He connected on at least 15 home runs in those seasons. The 2022 campaign was more of a struggle, though. Fernández hit only six homers. He still batted above .300 but his .353 on-base percentage was the lowest of his time in the KBO, as was his .400 slugging mark.
All told, Fernández hit .328/.391/.457 over four KBO seasons. He’ll now make the jump to the Mexican League for his age-35 campaign, his 15th year of professional baseball.
who????????? how is this even news? what a waste
It is free content. Settle down Amanda.
Amanda I watched him play the last two years in Korea. He is good hitter and an excellent teammate. his new club will be better off with him on the roster. he is a good dude. it’s news. it matters to some folks.
Lifetime OBP in Cuba over .400 Fernandez should’ve gotten more of a chance in MLB
The man had to defect from his country to earn a decent living from his own craft. He had to play in different countries, he did not stay in the majors for very long, but he has kept at it for 15 years. Good for him…and though I have not heard of him, I am glad MLBTR reported this.
I liked him as a hitter in his brief time with the Angels. Never understood why he didn’t catch on with another MLB organization.
Yeah, seems like at least could be a nice bench piece.
I remember signing this guy on OOTP and he was the man haha.
If you don’t know what OOTP is then download it now and thank me later.
Best baseball game ever
@NYMets Except thats not the reason. He has always done his name that way even before he defected from Cuba.
I think it’s funny they had to put his middle name in there so we wouldn’t confuse him with the late Jose Fernandez (May God rest his soul)
You mean murderer Jose Fernandez?
He has always gone by that full name, he didn’t do it to avoid being confused with the coke head.
RIP Jose Fernandez
Amanda in spanish is Karen. Interesting he was signed by both the Dodgers and Angels for 1 season only and released.