Julián Antonio Fernández Bio
Julián Antonio Fernández is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who has played in Major League Baseball for the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals. Born on December 5, 1995, Fernández signed with the Colorado Rockies as an international free agent in July 2012 and made his professional debut in 2013. After years of developing through the minor leagues and overcoming significant injury setbacks including Tommy John surgery, he reached the majors in September 2021. Fernández earned his first career MLB win with the Washington Nationals on September 27, 2025. He is currently a free agent after being released by the Nationals in June 2026.
Early Life and Background
Julián Antonio Fernández was born on December 5, 1995, in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has a rich baseball tradition and is known worldwide for producing elite pitching talent. At a young age, Fernández developed a passion for baseball and began his journey toward becoming a professional pitcher.
In July 2012, Fernández signed with the Colorado Rockies organization as an international free agent. This signing marked the beginning of his professional baseball career in the United States minor league system.
Path to Major League Baseball
Fernández made his professional debut in 2013 with the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Rockies. In his debut season, he posted a 1-1 win-loss record with a 7.94 earned run average in ten games pitched. The following year, he returned to the Dominican Summer League and improved to a 1-0 record with a 5.60 ERA in 18 relief appearances.
In 2015, Fernández split time between the Dominican Summer League and the Rookie-level Grand Junction Rockies. He combined to pitch to a 3-2 record with a 3.55 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 28 total games between both clubs. His performance demonstrated his ability to adapt and succeed at different levels of competition.
Fernández continued his development in 2016 with the Low-A Boise Hawks, where he went 1-2 with an impressive 1.17 ERA in 21 relief appearances. The 2017 season saw him advance to the Single-A Asheville Tourists, where he posted a 1-2 record and 3.26 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 51 games.
Julián Antonio Fernández Career
Colorado Rockies (2012-2022)
On December 14, 2017, the San Francisco Giants selected Fernández from the Rockies organization with the second pick in the Rule 5 draft. This selection indicated that other teams saw significant potential in his abilities. However, Fernández underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2018 season, a significant setback in his development.
On November 19, 2018, the Miami Marlins claimed Fernández off waivers. He spent the 2019 season on the 60-day injured list while recovering from surgery but suffered a setback with additional elbow issues during the year. On October 19, 2019, the Marlins removed Fernández from their 40-man roster and he returned to the Rockies organization.
The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing Fernández from game action. In 2021, he pitched for the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats and the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. In 44 games, he went 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA, his best minor league performance in recent years.
The Rockies promoted Fernández to the major leagues on September 1, 2021. He made his MLB debut on September 5 against the Atlanta Braves, allowing three earned runs in 1 and two-thirds innings. He recorded his first MLB strikeout against Dansby Swanson of the Braves. Fernández appeared in six games for the Rockies, pitching six and two-thirds innings while allowing eight runs on nine hits including two home runs, walking four and striking out four.
In 2022, Fernández was designated for assignment on June 11 and cleared waivers on June 16, being sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque. In 58 games in the minors that season, he went 2-5 with a 7.26 ERA. He elected free agency on October 12, 2022.
Toronto Blue Jays and Mexican League (2023-2024)
On December 29, 2022, Fernández signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons to begin the 2023 season but struggled, posting a 10.61 ERA with five strikeouts in nine and one-third innings pitched across seven appearances. On May 25, 2023, the Blue Jays released Fernández from their organization.
On January 22, 2024, Fernández signed with El Águila de Veracruz of the Mexican League. This move proved to be a successful change of scenery. In 34 appearances for Veracruz, he compiled a 1-1 record and an impressive 1.82 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 19 saves across 34 and two-thirds innings pitched. His strong performance in Mexico helped him regain confidence and momentum heading into 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2025)
On December 20, 2024, Fernández signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was assigned to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets to start the 2025 season. His performance with Oklahoma City was excellent, as he went 3-0 with a 3.05 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 35 games.
On July 7, 2025, the Dodgers purchased Fernández’s contract and recalled him to the major league roster. He made one appearance for the Dodgers that same day, allowing two runs on two hits in two innings of work. The Dodgers designated Fernández for assignment on August 15, following the team’s acquisition of Buddy Kennedy.
Washington Nationals (2025-2026)
On August 17, 2025, Fernández was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals. This move provided him with another opportunity at the major league level. On September 27, Fernández recorded his first career MLB win, tossing a scoreless inning against the Chicago White Sox. This milestone marked a significant achievement in his career after years of working toward reaching and succeeding at the highest level.
Fernández made three appearances for Washington during the 2025 season, recording a 3.00 ERA with four strikeouts over three innings of work. The Nationals optioned him to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings to begin the 2026 season.
In three appearances for Washington during the 2026 season, Fernández recorded a 2.25 ERA with three strikeouts over four innings of work. The Nationals designated him for assignment following the acquisition of Jhancarlos Lara on June 12, 2026. He was released by the team on June 17, 2026, making him a free agent.
Career Statistics and Milestones
Through April 23, 2026, Fernández has compiled a 1-0 win-loss record with a 6.89 earned run average and 12 strikeouts across his MLB career. His most significant career milestone remains his first MLB win achieved with the Washington Nationals on September 27, 2025. Throughout his professional career, Fernández has demonstrated resilience in overcoming injuries and the ability to compete effectively at multiple levels of professional baseball.
Julián Antonio Fernández Career Performance
Fernández has established himself as a capable relief pitcher throughout his professional career. His ability to miss bats is evidenced by his strikeout numbers at various levels. His best minor league season came in 2021 with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes, where he went 3-2 with a 3.38 ERA in 44 games, which ultimately led to his MLB promotion.
His time in the Mexican League with El Águila de Veracruz proved to be a turning point in his career. The 19 saves he recorded there demonstrated his ability to handle high-leverage situations in late-game scenarios. His successful stint in Mexico paved the way for his return to MLB with the Dodgers in 2025.
Throughout his career, Fernández has shown the versatility to pitch in various roles, from multi-inning appearances to short stints in the bullpen. His experience across different organizations and leagues has provided him with a well-rounded perspective on the game. At 30 years old, Fernández continues to work toward establishing himself as a reliable option at the major league level.