Yankees Pull Off Stealthy Waiver Wire Heist with Yanquiel Fernandez Claim

In the ever-changing game of MLB roster management, the New York Yankees have shown they’re playing chess while the rest of the league is stuck on checkers. Amid a flurry of trades and moves this offseason—highlighted by the splashy Cody Bellinger signing—Brian Cashman and the front office have pulled off what could be the sneakiest move of the winter. Forget the big-name blockbuster trades; this one’s pure waiver wire wizardry.

On Wednesday, the Yankees swooped in and claimed Yanquiel Fernandez, an outfielder from the Colorado Rockies, off waivers. While it may not have generated the same level of buzz as some other moves, insiders and fans are already buzzing about the potential of this move. Fernandez, just 23 years old, could be a diamond in the rough for the Yankees, a future slugger whose raw talent and upside have everyone in the Bronx taking notice. But in order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees had to make a tough call: right-hander Dom Hamel was designated for assignment. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially since Hamel had just been called up weeks earlier.

The Heist: Yanquiel Fernandez

Let’s start with the prize in this waiver wire heist: Yanquiel Fernandez. A Cuban outfielder with tremendous upside, Fernandez has shown flashes of potential despite struggles at the big-league level. He was DFA’d by the Rockies just a week prior to the trade, but his time in the majors doesn’t tell the whole story. In 52 games with Colorado during the 2025 season, Fernandez posted a .225 average with four home runs and eight walks, showcasing a mix of power and patience amid his growing pains in the majors. However, it was his work in Triple-A that caught the Yankees’ eye: a .284 average, 13 home runs, 14 doubles, and an impressive .849 OPS over 64 games. That’s the kind of power that will make any team sit up and take notice.

But Fernandez’s pedigree goes beyond his recent Triple-A success. Signed by the Rockies in 2019 for $295,000 out of Cuba, Fernandez made a splash in the Dominican Summer League in 2021 with a .937 OPS over 54 games. By 2022, he was tearing up the California League, finishing with 109 RBIs (leading the league), 21 home runs (tied for third), and a .507 slugging percentage. Ranked as the No. 11 prospect in Colorado’s system by MiLB.com, Fernandez’s raw power and ability to perform in the minors makes him an intriguing long-term project for the Yankees.

While Fernandez is likely to start his tenure in Spring Training and potentially fight for a spot on the Opening Day roster, his arrival gives the Yankees additional depth and a potential future contributor to the outfield. At just 23 years old, Fernandez could be the type of player who grows into a key part of New York’s roster, adding much-needed power and depth to an already stacked team.

The Casualty: Dom Hamel

But every heist has its casualties, and in this case, Dom Hamel was the unfortunate player left behind. To clear room for Fernandez, the Yankees had to DFA Hamel, a decision that stings considering his recent call-up. Hamel had only a brief stint with the New York Mets last season, throwing one inning with three hits allowed, no earned runs, and no strikeouts. After bouncing between the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles systems, Hamel’s future in the Yankees organization looked uncertain. Now, with the DFA, his future is even more up in the air, though it’s possible another team could swoop in and offer him a chance to bounce back. It’s a reminder of how cutthroat the business of MLB roster management can be, where even a brief window of opportunity can close without much warning.

Hamel’s exit is a disappointing turn in his career, but his struggles with consistency and his inability to carve out a permanent role likely led to this move. It’s a harsh reminder that roster spots are at a premium in the MLB, and the Yankees are always looking to tweak and optimize their roster in the pursuit of greatness.

Why This Move Matters

While Fernandez’s acquisition may not be the headline-grabbing move some fans were hoping for, it’s indicative of the Yankees’ deep understanding of roster construction. Cashman’s front office has consistently shown a knack for finding undervalued players and maximizing their potential. The addition of Fernandez, alongside other savvy moves like the Cody Bellinger signing, shows that the Yankees are still playing the long game, even as they stockpile star power.

This type of move speaks to Cashman’s commitment to always stay flexible and make strategic additions, even if they don’t immediately make a massive splash. The Yankees’ ability to identify young, high-upside talent like Fernandez gives them the flexibility to remain competitive in the present while also investing in the future.

In today’s MLB, teams that thrive are often the ones who balance short-term success with long-term planning. Fernandez is an example of that approach—he may not be a guaranteed instant contributor, but he’s a player with significant upside that the Yankees are willing to take a risk on. And with the increasing value of second-round picks and prospects in the modern CBA, Fernandez’s acquisition could eventually prove to be a major steal.

The Yankees’ Strategy: Depth and Flexibility

This move is just the latest in a series of micro-moves by Cashman and the Yankees front office. The team has made it clear they’re not just relying on big-name acquisitions, but rather adding depth to their roster by identifying players with potential. Last week, the Yankees also traded for reliever Angel Chivilli from the Rockies, further building depth without breaking the bank. The addition of Fernandez fits right into this strategy: an under-the-radar move that adds significant value without a massive financial commitment.

As Spring Training approaches, the Yankees’ roster is shaping up to be a mix of star power and savvy, low-risk acquisitions. They now have a deeper bench, a more balanced roster, and a new player with the potential to develop into a key piece for the team. The Yankees’ front office has proven they can still identify talent on the edges of the roster, and Yanquiel Fernandez could very well be the hidden gem they need to round out their championship-contending squad.

Conclusion: A Strategic Masterstroke on the Waiver Wire

In the high-stakes world of MLB roster management, the Yankees have once again shown they are the ultimate opportunists. Yanquiel Fernandez may not be the next Cody Bellinger or a blockbuster trade acquisition, but he represents everything the Yankees have mastered: finding value in places others might overlook. As Spring Training approaches and the Yankees begin to finalize their roster, this quiet waiver wire heist could prove to be the move that propels the team into the next phase of their championship aspirations.

The move to claim Fernandez is a reminder of just how shrewd the Yankees’ front office is—and how, even in a busy offseason, they can still pull off a low-key but potentially game-changing acquisition. Stay tuned—this may be just the beginning of a deeper, more calculated roster build that could bring even more success to the Bronx.