In December 2016 the Los Angeles Dodgers signed a journeyman pitcher by the name of Wilmer Font, who had pitched in three different organizations and in the Canadian League since signing as an amateur free agent in 2006 out of Venezuela.
Font began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, and exceeded all expectations as he went 10-8 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 25 starts. He struck out 178 compared to just 35 walks in 134.1 innings. Thr 178 strikeouts led all Triple-A pitchers and ranked second among all Minor League pitchers.
He produced five starts with at least 10 strikeouts, which tied Oklahoma City’s single-season record that was set by Jose De Leon in 2016.
The 27-year-old was rewarded for his contributions by being named Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year, becoming the second Oklahoma City pitcher to earn Pitcher of the Year honors since the team rejoined the PCL in 1998. Font was also named to the 12-man All-PCL team this season. Font was also named a midseason PCL All-Star and started the Triple-A All-Star Game.
Because of his productive Minor League season, Font earned a call-up to the big league team in September. He did not fair as well with the Major League Dodgers though as he gave up seven hits and seven runs in 3.2 innings (17.18 ERA) across three appearances. He gave up at least two hits and a run each time he took the mound.
2017 Highlight
He had five starts with 10 or more strikeouts with OKC, but his best start came May 15 against the Sacramento River Cats when he tossed seven innings of one-run ball, giving up just two hits and a run while striking out a season-high 15, which was also the most by an OKC pitcher since 1998.
2018 Outlook
Font is currently on the 40-man roster, so barring any trades or him getting designated for assignment, he will be in big league camp for Spring Training where he will have an opportunity to pitch in front of Dave Roberts, Rick Honeycutt and the rest of the Major League staff. It is unlikely that he makes the 25-man roster to begin the season though, but he does provide pitching depth that the Dodger organization values so much.
