Star Cuban Infielder Defects to USA In Hopes of MLB Deal

Sep 13, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) drives in a run with a sacrifice fly against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) drives in a run with a sacrifice fly against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Fernandez hopes to follow path of Cespedes, Puig to MLB stardom

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Cuban infielder Jose Fernandez defected to the United States in hopes of getting a Major League Baseball contract.

Fernandez has long been regarded as one of the top international players in the world, further solidifying his status by hitting .393 in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, while adding a .495 on base percentage and a .593 slugging percentage. He has had extensive experience in international play, having participated in the 2013 World Baseball Classic before taking on College Team USA later that year.

Ben Badler of Baseball America provided a scouting report of Fernandez shortly after the College Team USA series:

“At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, Fernandez has a flat lefthanded swing and good hand-eye coordination that helps him make plenty of contact. He sets his hands up low and has an unusual toe tap where he turns his front ankle towards the pitcher, but it works for him as a timing mechanism. He has the power for 10-15 home runs in a season, perhaps a little more. He’s not a great runner and isn’t a threat to steal bases, with range better suited at second base than shortstop.”

Badler also projected Fernandez as a player who would immediately contribute to an MLB team once he is signed.

Fernandez would be the latest Cuban player who is drawing attention from MLB teams this fall. Former Cuban national teammate Yasmani Tomas defected to the United States earlier this summer and has recently held a series of workouts that has drawn the attention of the Padres, Braves and Marlins. Tomas projects as a corner outfielder with 30-plus home run power.

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