The Colorado Rockies are reportedly adding some thunder to their lineup as baseball writer/reporter Francys Romero reported that Cuban outfielder Yanquiel Fernández will be called up to the big league roster on Tuesday when the Rockies kick off a three-game series with the Houston Astros at Coors Field. MLB.com’s Thomas Harding also reported that sources confirmed the pending move.

Fernández, 22, is hitting .284/.347/.502 with 13 home runs through his first 64 games with Triple-A Albuquerque. He has been notably hot in June, hitting five home runs and tallying a hit in 13 of 17 games he has appeared.

He was signed by the Rockies out of Cuba and made his pro debut back in 2021. Heading into the 2024 season, Fernández was considered a consensus top-100 prospect after slashing .319/.354/.605 in High-A Spokane. He was mostly solid playing the majority of the 2024 season with Double-A Hartford but struggled immensely following a late-season promotion to Triple-A, slashing .211/.268/.313 slash line in 33 games.

Given the nature of the offense-friendly Pacific Coast League, Fernández’s numbers have resulted in a decent enough 96 wRC+. Measured at 6-foot-2 and 198 pounds, Fernández is described as a broad-shouldered power hitter with the lumber. His 77 home runs over 469 minor league games, .478 slugging percentage, us tantalizing and given the Rockies’ need for power, they wanted to wait and see if he could handle major league pitching.

It’s unclear how Fernández will fit into the picture for the Rockies. The outfield is already crowded, what Brenton Doyle and Jordan Beck penciled in as starters in center and left, respectively. Tyler Freeman and Mickey Moniak have emerged as quality contributors in right field, with Sam Hilliard also seeing time off the bench. It’s not out of the question that the Rockies could move on from someone like Hilliard, or perhaps move Freeman back into an infield and utility role. A move back to the infield could push Orlando Arcia or Kyle Farmer off the big league roster or require an additional move to make space for the hot-hitting Freeman.

The Rockies could also think outside the box and demote the struggling Doyle. The center fielder is slashing .193/.247/.314 with just six home runs this season and a 25% strikeout rate.

Fernández could also slot into a regular DH role as a result of an additional move. Veteran catcher Austin Nola is expected to have his contract selected with Hunter Goodman headed to the injured list with a hamstring issue. Nola has hit .347/.411/.474 over 26 games with Albuquerque this season and will serve as the backup to Braxton Fulford in the meantime.