Dodgers Sign Triple-Digit Flamethrower Who Played for NL West Rival

Maren Angus-Coombs | Dec 23, 2024

Aug 16, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of Los Angeles Dodgers hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to a minor league deal with right-handed pitcher Julian Fernández, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Fernández is expected to be at major league spring training as a non-roster invite.

The Dodgers have signed right-handed pitcher Julian Fernández to a minor league deal with a non-roster invite to big league spring training, a source tells The Athletic. Has brief time in the bigs with the Colorado Rockies in 2021.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) December 20, 2024

Fernández is working to make his way back to the majors for the first time since 2021. That year, he made six appearances for the Colorado Rockies, giving up eight runs in 6.2 innings. It's still his only big-league experience.

After being outrighted off the 40-man roster in June 2022, he spent time in Triple-A with the Blue Jays the following season.

During his short time in the majors, Fernández showed off impressive velocity, averaging 99 MPH with his four-seam fastball. However, that hasn't fully translated to missed bats in the minors. Over parts of four Triple-A seasons, he has a strikeout rate of about 24 percent but has also walked nearly 11 percent of hitters. In 80.1 innings at the Triple-A level, he holds a 6.05 ERA.

RHP Julian Fernández, has signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as first reported by @FabianArdaya

Fernández, who hit 102.4 mph in his Major League debut with the Rockies in 2021, also receives an invite to big league camp.

— Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) December 20, 2024

In 2024, Fernández played in both the Mexican League and the Dominican Winter League. With El Aguila de Veracruz in the Mexican League, he posted a strong 1.82 ERA over 34.2 innings in 34 appearances. His performance caught the attention of the Dodgers, who offered him a minor-league contract.

Fernández is now joining the Dodgers, where they'll aim to tap into his potential. Minor league deals present minimal risk, and the Dodgers will work with him to try to revive his career. If things don't work out, they can release him, allowing him to explore other opportunities in free agency.

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