Rockies Waive Warming Bernabel – MLB Trade Rumors
Warming Bernabel, a young infielder for the Colorado Rockies, has been officially waived and removed from the team’s 40-man roster. Following this move, he has chosen to enter free agency. Currently, the Rockies comprise 37 players on their 40-man roster.
2018 Acquisition and MLB Debut
Bernabel, who is now 23, joined the Rockies as an international free agent in 2018, hailing from the Dominican Republic. He made his MLB debut in July, where he showcased a promising start, achieving a remarkable 14 hits in his first 28 at-bats, including three home runs within his initial seven games.
Performance Overview
Despite a strong beginning, Bernabel struggled as the season progressed. He concluded his first MLB stint with a batting average of .189 and recorded only one home run in the subsequent 33 games. A concussion sidelined him for several weeks in September, impacting his overall performance. Over 40 games, Bernabel finished with a 78 wRC+.
Minor League Journey
Before his promotion to the major leagues, Bernabel spent time developing in the minor leagues. His 2023 season at Double-A with Hartford was challenging, as he hit just .225, experiencing his first significant strikeout rate exceeding 20%. He bounced back with a strong performance at Triple-A Albuquerque, boasting a .301 average over 75 games.
Fielding and Future Outlook
Primarily playing at first base, Bernabel also took on designated hitter roles with the Rockies. Scouts have noted his fielding capabilities as subpar, highlighted by a -2 Outs Above Average during his time in Colorado. For Bernabel to thrive at the major league level, he needs to increase his impact on the ball, as evidenced by a low hard-hit rate of 32.5% and an average exit velocity of 85.4 mph. Additionally, he recorded only three barrels from 114 batted balls during his MLB tenure.
- Age: 23
- MLB Debut: July
- Initial 7 Game Stats: 14 hits, 3 home runs
- Overall MLB Stats: .189 average, 1 home run, 40 games
- Triple-A Performance: .301 average in 75 games
- Fielding: -2 Outs Above Average
Bernabel’s combination of potential and challenges will shape his future in baseball. His ability to develop further will determine whether he can secure a lasting place in the majors.
