Fernandez continues to impress D-backs with performance in Spring Breakout

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Four years ago, on the backfields of their Spring Training complex, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was watching Jose Fernandez, then 18, play shortstop.

Arizona assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye turned to Lovullo and said, "If he were an 18-year-old high school senior, he'd be a first-round Draft pick."

Last year, on those same backfields, Lovullo and Sawdaye were once again watching Fernandez.

"Look at this kid," Sawdaye said to Lovullo. "If he was a 21-year-old college junior he'd be a first-round Draft pick."

Fernandez, 22, began putting up the numbers to justify that belief last year with Double-A Amarillo, hitting .272/.321/.454 in 122 games. His 17 homers in the Texas League were more than double that of his four previous seasons combined (13). Arizona protected him from the Rule 5 Draft with a 40-man roster spot in the offseason.

This spring, the D-backs' No. 27 prospect came to his first big league camp and the Diamondbacks certainly liked what they saw from him.

"We always felt like we had somebody that had that ability," Lovullo said. "And now just to put it together and harness it, create some bat speed and some leverage, swing at strikes, control the zone. Those are all the things that he's been doing and not missing. So, no hustle to his swing. It's been a very simple approach, and then defensively has been very consistent. We got a good look at him. He's got a very bright future."

Fernandez was optioned to Triple-A Reno a couple of weeks ago, but once again showed his immense talent Saturday night in Arizona's 10-3 win in its Spring Breakout game against the Rockies.

Fernandez went 3-for-3 with a pair of singles and a 102 mph triple the opposite way off the right-field wall while also stealing a base.

"I felt very good," Fernandez said of his first big league camp. "Learned a lot from the veterans. Just went out to enjoy the experience and just make the best of the opportunity."

Fernandez was signed by the Diamondbacks out of Venezuela as a 17-year-old in February of 2021, and they bypassed the Dominican Summer League with him and sent him straight to the Arizona Complex League, something that doesn't happen often.

It took a while for Fernandez to grow into his body and refine his skills, and the Diamondbacks have played him all over the infield trying to find the best spot for him. He spent time at first and third base in addition to playing most of his games at shortstop last year.

With Geraldo Perdomo seemingly locked in at shortstop for the near future, the Diamondbacks would like to see Fernandez get some more time this year at third base to see how that looks.

Fernandez had the chance to pick the brain of one of this generation's best defensive third baseman in Nolan Arenado this spring while also learning from veteran teammates Carlos Santana and Ildemaro Vargas.

"Nolan told me to trust in my talent, that's the reason you're here because of your talent," Fernandez said. "Carlos Santana helped me out on the offensive side, talking me through at-bats. And Ildemaro Vargas, just being a veteran, just talked to me and shared his experiences with me. Those were three of the many that helped me out in my process."

If Fernandez continues to progress during his time in Reno and the Diamondbacks have a need at short or third, it wouldn't be a surprise if Fernandez got a chance this year.

Players have good springs all the time, but it's whether they can build on it that matters. That's the task ahead for Fernandez.

"The confidence has always been there, but now with the success I've had here, it's about taking advantage of that success as I move on," Fernandez said. "And still working on the little things here and there to be able to just take it from here to there."