Angels’ Jose Fermin Jumps On A Fast Track After Impressive Pro Debut
Jose Fermin threw 93-95 mph during a one-inning stint in a game set up by an agent in the Dominican Republic. That’s when Angels scout Jonathan Genao immediately raised the flag on the 6-foot-3, 248-pound righthander.
The Angels invited Fermin to face a few hitters in live bullpen sessions. In October 2023, they signed the soon-to-be 22-year-old for $10,000.
“I personally like signing pitchers who are on the older side,” Angels international scouting director Brian Parker said. “Usually, they’re a little more mature . . . Sometimes those guys fall through the cracks on the international side.”
Fermin broke camp with Low-A Inland Empire in 2024. While he allowed three runs and blew the save in his pro debut, that would be his worst outing for the next three months.
The Angels promoted Fermin to High-A Tri-City in mid June and then on to Double-A Rocket City for two September appearances.
Fermin struck out 91 batters and walked 30 in 65.2 total innings, recording a 3.15 ERA. He did not allow a run in 29 of 39 appearances.
“His command improved throughout the year and affected his slider,” Parker said. “He was able to get swings and misses with his slider.”
Parker said that 2024 was Fermin’s first full year of pitching.
He took to it quickly. Fermin struck out 33.5% of batters in his pro debut, thanks largely to his mid-to-upper-80s slider with late vertical break and double-plus potential. His fastball velocity surged a couple ticks to 95-97 mph and touching 99 as a pro.
“This is the kind of frame that should be able to throw hard, and he did as he started working with pro coaches in a pro environment,” Parker said. “To advance to Double-A his first year is obviously a credit to him and the staff.”
The Angels promote prospects aggressively, and now Fermin has a chance to reach Anaheim in 2025.
“Jonathan did a great job,” Parker said. “We try to keep an open mind when looking at players, and I think this was a perfect example of that. Power arms come from everywhere. If the talent is good enough, let’s try.”
