Jose Miguel Fernandez was expected to become a star after he defected from Cuba and signed with the Dodgers. However, he spent just one season in their organization before being released. Fernandez then signed with the Angels for 2018, when he reached the majors but was released after the season. He then signed with the Doosan Bears in the Korean Baseball Organization where he has become a star.
His three year association with the Bears appears set to continue. According to Jee-Ho Yoo of Yonhap News, Fernandez is closing in on a new contract with Doosan.
Jose Miguel Fernandez set to return to Doosan Bears
Fernandez had a strong showing during his one year in the Dodgers system in 2017. He posted a solid .306/.367/.496 batting line in his 381 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting 16 homers and 17 doubles before his surprise release.
Those strong numbers continued with the Angels. Fernandez posted a .333/.396/.535 batting line in his 394 Triple-A plate appearances, hitting 17 homers and 19 doubles. That performance led to Fernandez getting a look at the majors, where he had a somewhat disappointing 92 OPS+ with eight doubles and two homers in his 123 plate appearances. As Fernandez was already 30 years old, one could understand why the Angels were not enthused with that performance.
Being released by the Angels and Dodgers ended up as a positive. Fernandez has found stardom in the KBO, settling in as an excellent part of the Bears’ lineup. He has an impressive .334/.403/.476 batting line in his three years in South Korea, hitting 51 homers and 87 doubles. It is understandable as to why both sides would want to continue the relationship.
At this point, Fernandez’s major league aspirations have long since passed. Those impressive performances are not going to lead to another opportunity stateside. However, he has built himself a strong career in the KBO and has become a star.
Jose Miguel Fernandez is set to return to the Doosan Bears for the 2022 season. He has found a home in the Korean Baseball Organization.