Jose Miguel Fernandez to hold first open showcase

An open showcase will be held for Jose Miguel Fernandez in front of what is likely to be hundreds of scouts. According to Baseball America's Ben Badler, the soon-to-be 28-year old Fernandez was the third-best player in Cuba before he fled "a little more than four months ago."

Fernandez is a second baseman and is believed to be able to "help a major league team quickly" with his ability to get on-base. In his eight seasons in Cuba -- over 608 games -- Fernandez has had a .408 OBP. However, over his last four season only, it has been a remarkable .457 in just over 1000 plate appearances.

A new video of Cuban 2B Jose Miguel Fernandez in the Dominican Republic, with details on his next showcase: https://t.co/dj5YQXKPec

— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) April 18, 2016

In Badler's article, there is also an 11-minute video showcase of Fernandez. Though it is mostly him hitting, he also takes some groundballs at the shortstop position. Though he has only played second base in his career for Cocodrilos de Matanzas, taking grounders at another position perhaps opens him up to a versatile middle infielder. Perhaps a second baseman that could, if needed, play shortstop.

Over his career, Fernandez has hit 37 home runs and stolen 11 bases in only 20 attempts. That is to say, he's neither a threat to overpower pitchers, or to steal bases. However, he has struck out only 113 times and taken 263 walks. His plate discipline could make him elite.