Yankees DFA former Rockies top prospect with 77 MiLB home runs

The 23-year-old made his MLB debut last season.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Just five days after claiming him off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees have designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez for assignment. Fernandez, 23, was a former top prospect with the Rockies and made his Major League debut last season, hitting .225/.265/.348 with four home runs and a .613 OPS in 147 plate appearances.

Why it matters

The Yankees have a crowded outfield with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham as the starters, leaving little opportunity for Fernandez to get playing time at the MLB level. The team will likely try to stash him at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if he clears waivers.

The details

Francys Romero reported Fernandez's DFA news on X on Monday afternoon. The Yankees have not officially announced the transaction. New York can stash Fernandez as outfield depth at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if he goes unclaimed on the waiver wire. Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones are the top candidates to be the fourth outfielder, but utility men Oswaldo Cabrera and Amed Rosario have also spent time on the grass.

  • Fernandez was claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies 5 days ago.
  • Francys Romero reported Fernandez's DFA news on Monday afternoon.

The players

Yanquiel Fernandez

A 23-year-old outfielder who was a former top prospect with the Colorado Rockies and made his MLB debut last season.

Aaron Judge

One of the starting outfielders for the New York Yankees.

Cody Bellinger

One of the starting outfielders for the New York Yankees.

Trent Grisham

One of the starting outfielders for the New York Yankees.

Jasson Dominguez

A top candidate to be the fourth outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Spencer Jones

A top candidate to be the fourth outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Oswaldo Cabrera

A utility player for the New York Yankees who has also spent time in the outfield.

Amed Rosario

A utility player for the New York Yankees who has also spent time in the outfield.

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What they’re saying

“Francys Romero reported Fernandez's DFA news on X on Monday afternoon.”

— Francys Romero (X)

What’s next

The Yankees will have to decide whether to place Fernandez on waivers or try to outright him to their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if he clears waivers.

The takeaway

The Yankees' crowded outfield situation has led them to designate Yanquiel Fernandez, a former top Rockies prospect, for assignment just days after claiming him off waivers. This highlights the challenges young players can face in breaking into the majors with stacked rosters, even after showing promise in the minors.