Erick Fernandez

ERICK FERNANDEZ
CATCHER
Born: November 30, 1988
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 190
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 6th Round, 169th Overall, 2006 (Nationals)
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
College: Georgetown Univ.
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

The Nationals drafted Fernandez twice out of Georgetown before he signed with them.  He served as an organizational catcher for all or parts of three seasons before they released him.  He wasn’t considered a strong hitter coming out of college and has struggled at the plate for most of his brief pro career.  He has good defensive potential and an above average arm.  The Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2014.

2011
R:  245/284/314, 102 AB, 4 2B, 1 HR, 5 BB, 11 K, 1-1 SB

Fernandez served primarily as a DH, catching only eight games.  He threw out eight of 17 base stealers.

2012
A+:  237/312/247, 97 AB, 1 2B, 10 BB, 20 K

Fernandez spent most of the season as a backup catcher in high A.  Aside from drawing a few walks, he did little at the plate.  He did throw out 40% of base stealers.

2013
A-:  120/333/160, 25 AB, 1 2B, 7 BB, 3 K
A:  192/214/231, 26 AB, 1 2B, 1 BB, 6 K

Fernandez appeared briefly as a backup at two levels before the Nationals released him in July.

The Pirates have added a new, advanced rookie affiliate at Bristol, leaving them with a need for lower level catching depth.  They signed both Fernandez and Mitch Slauter for this purpose in January 2014.

STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2014: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2011
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2017
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2014
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 9, 2010: Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 46th round, 1376th overall pick.
June 8, 2011: Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 25th round, 757th overall pick; signed on June 16.
July 22, 2013: Released by the Washington Nationals.
January 22, 2014: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a minor league free agent.