Along with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ preference to not trade top prospects as a means to help rebuild a depleted farm system, the organization has also been significant players for international prospects.
The current international signing period didn’t prove to be any exception, with the Dodgers easily eclipsing their bonus to land the likes of Yadier Alvarez, Yusniel Diaz and Yaisel Sierra, among others.
Alvarez, a 19-year-old right-hander, signed for $16 million; Diaz, a 19-year-old outfielder, was inked to a $15.5 million contract. Meanwhile, Sierra signed a six-year, $30 million contract, complete with a $6 million signing bonus and increasing annual salaries.
Prior to that string of additions, the Dodgers inked Cuban righty Pablo Fernandez last March to a Minor League contract with an $8 million signing bonus.
After one season with the Dodgers, Fernandez’s professional career in the United States has hit a snag, as the 26 year old underwent Tommy John surgery, according to Eric Stephen of True Blue LA:
Dodgers right-hander Pablo Fernandez underwent Tommy John surgery on Thursday in Arizona, and will be out for the rest of the 2016 season.
Fernandez, who will turn 27 years old in August, started two games with the Arizona League Dodgers, four for Low-A Great Lakes, and four with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He went a combined 3-2 with a 3.92 ERA and 1.82 WHIP.
Fernandez totaled 41 strikeouts to seven walks over 43.2 innings pitched. Opponents batted .282/.319/.454 with six home runs over Fernadnez’s 10 games. The right-hander spent his career in Cuba primarily working as a relief pitcher.
Over seven seasons in the Cuban National Series, Fernandez was 32-30 with a 3.59 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 177 games (21 starts). Dodgers president of baseball operations said the club intended to develop Fernandez as a starting pitcher, and only move him to the bullpen if the decision wasn’t panning out.
