Los Angeles Dodgers Release Jose Miguel Fernandez

The Los Angeles Dodgers had seemingly gotten a bargain when they signed Cuban prospect Jose Miguel Fernandez. Less than a year later, he has been released.

Jose Miguel Fernandez appeared to be a bargain for the Los Angeles Dodgers. One of the top players in Cuba, he produced a .319/.403/.423 batting line in his eight seasons. Fernandez displayed impressive bat control, drawing 263 walks while striking out only 113 times in his 2580 plate appearances in the Cuban National Series. When he left the island in December 2015, he was considered to be an intriguing prospect.

Signed by the Dodgers for $200,000, an amount that was considered a bargain, he showed a bit of rust. It was understandable as Fernandez had not played for two years before being assigned to the Dodgers AA team in Tulsa. He spent most of the season there, making a brief appearance in AAA before landing on the disabled list on July 29. Combined between the two levels, he produced a .306/.367/.496 batting line, hitting a surprising 16 homers.

Fernandez appeared to be someone that the Dodgers would be able to promote quickly through their system, a possible option as a utility infielder. Instead, he was released by Los Angeles on November 14, although the reason for his removal from their roster is still unknown.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Chances are, Fernandez will attract a good amount of interest in free agency. Although a major league contract may not be forthcoming, he could still get an invite during Spring Training as a non roster player. Considering how well he played once he got back on track, Fernandez could be a nice option for a team in need of a middle infield option.

Of course, that could change depending on why Fernandez was released. He did not play after going on the disabled list at the end of July, although the nature of his injury is somewhat nebulous. The Dodgers did have a bit of a roster crunch, but Fernandez showed enough in the minors to warrant a long look this season.

Next: Dodgers offseason review

The Los Angeles Dodgers, in a surprising move, have released Jose Miguel Fernandez. Chances are, he will not remain unemployed for long.