José Fermin
St. Louis Cardinals’ 24-year-old prospect Jose Miguel Fermin has been a key piece for the early success of Gigantes del Cibao in LIDOM, the Dominican Winter League. Gigantes has begun the season winning 15 of their first 21 games and has positioned themselves as an early contender for the league title. Fermin has been a contributor in the 11 games in which he has participated; he is 5-15 for an average of .333 and has an on-base percentage of .476 and a season OPS of .816. He has also scored six runs and driven in two.
Fermin initiated his professional journey within the Guardians organization before securing a contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Cardinals last year, he earned a call-up to the Majors that was warranted by an outstanding season in the minor leagues. In his first season in the Cardinals’ farm system, Fermin, who began the season in Class A Rookie League, worked his way to Triple-A, playing 20 games for the Memphis Redbirds in which he had a slash line of .227/.358/.485. During this 20-game stretch, Fermin connected seven extra-base hits: three doubles and four Home Runs. During his brief call up to the Majors, Fermin went 12/51, with one double. He also drew six walks, which, combined with his hits, gave him an OBP of .339, above the .320 league average.
The Cardinals are one of the most storied and successful franchises in the history of MLB. For decades, the Cardinals have relied upon what many call “The Cardinal Way” of developing players. Many players whom other franchises have dismissed have gone on to find success in St Louis. Fermin’s strong showing in Triple-A last year and his excellent performance so far in LIDOM should give Cardinals fans some hope that the utilityman could find a home at Busch Stadium soon.
Photo by: https://www.facebook.com/GigantesCibao
