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- Date of birth: February 12, 1991
- 2017 line: 64 games, 145 PA, .235/.278/.338 = .616 OPS
- 2017 value: 0.1 bWAR, -.1 fWAR
- 2017 salary: minimum, arbitration starts 2020
- SnakePit rating: 5.12
2017 analysis
Our closest player to average as voted on by you, Rey Fuentes was called up in May to fill in for the injured A.J. Pollock after a blistering start in Reno where he batted .343. He struggled while on the active roster, batting .235 before suffering a thumb contusion and seeing a 10-day trip to the disabled list.
Fuentes returned from the disabled list but saw his playing time reduced significantly after the team acquired J.D. Martinez and A.J Pollock returned to health. He finished the season as the team’s 5th outfielder, usually replacing starters as a defensive replacement. He was left off the 25-man roster for the playoffs.
2018 prospects
Still at the relatively young age of 26 and under team control for 5 more seasons, Fuentes could fill the same role for the team as he did this past season. While not the best option at the plate, Rey filled in admirably at all 3 outfield positions, grading out as a positive defender at each. With ties to the current front office (Hazen and Co. initially drafted Fuentes as a 1st rounder in 2009) and questions about Pollock’s health, Fuentes will fight for a spot on the 25-man roster next season as the 4th or 5th outfielder.
Special Note
After the hurricane distaster in Puerto Rico, Fuentes’ home country, Ken Kendrick sent his private jet to the country to rescue his mother, father and sister. He worked diligently with the Arizona Diamondbacks to send relief packages and other aid to the disaster stricken country.