The New York Yankees shook up their roster 16 days before spring training gets underway, claiming outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. In a corresponding move, the team designated right-hander Dom Hamel for assignment. The club confirmed both decisions Wednesday afternoon.
This came after the Yankees retained Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham earlier in the 2025 offseason. They also added depth to their bullpen by trading for Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins. The decisions can help with their pursuit of reclaiming the American League East division title.
What Yanquiel Fernández Brings
Yanquiel Fernández, 23, spent his first five seasons in the Rockies’ farm system until he made his major league debut last season. In 52 appearances, he tallied 31 hits, five doubles, 11 RBI and four home runs on a .225 batting average.
The Rockies designated Yanquiel Fernández for assignment in late January after a slow start to his major league career. However, he can change the current trajectory when he joins the Yankees in 2026.
He will join reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge, Bellinger and Grisham in the outfield, as they look to improve from a 94-68 previous campaign. The Yankees begin spring training on February 20, giving Fernández a little more than two weeks to get accustomed to his new team.
Hamel Designated For Assignment
Dom Hamel, 26, was selected by the New York Mets in the third round of the 2021 draft. He spent three seasons in their farm system before making his debut last season. In his lone appearance, he surrendered three hits.
After the unsuccessful start to his career, the Mets designated Hamel for assignment. The Texas Rangers then claimed the righty reliever off waivers, only to designate him for assignment again soon after. The righty reliever was then claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, only to be designated for assignment again. The Yankees claimed Hamel off waivers in January, but he was again designated for assignment to make room for Yanquiel Fernández. The Yankees have seven days to trade Hamel or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.
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