Ranking the Top 6 Cuban Defectors for 2015 MLB Season

6. SP Jose Fernandez – Miami Marlins

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

True, he likely will not make his return to the rotation until sometime in June, but Jose Fernandez is still bound to have a profound impact. Only 22, his body should be more than up to the task of over-coming Tommy John surgery that he had in May of last year.

Over the last two seasons with a minimum 220 IP, only Clayton Kershaw has a lower ERA than Fernandez, while only Yu Darvish has a higher K/9. That is some elite company.

Factoring in his recovery time and expected debut date, Fernandez’s Steamer projections still have him making 20 starts in 2015. Kershaw made only 27 in 2014, yet walked away with his third Cy Young award and an NL MVP. Fernandez’s projected WAR for 2015 is 2.9.

It’s doubtful the Marlins will rush Fernandez back. His arm and long-term outlook are too promising to risk tainting. If the club is struggling mightily well before June, however, there’s still an outside possibility that happens. Until then, newcomers Mat Latos and Dan Haren, along with Henderson Alvarez, will look to hold down the fort at Marlins Park.