SURPRISE, Ariz. — Just a year ago, Josh Fuentes had the temerity to utter these words: “I will die saying this: I think I’m better than Nolan.”
Nolan, of course, is Nolan Arenado, Fuentes’ older cousin, perennial all-star and seven-time Gold Glove winner. Only Fuentes knows how much he truly believed his brash statement or whether he just wanted to get under his cousin’s skin.
This spring, Fuentes, 27, is letting his play speak for him. He’s batting .400 in Cactus League play, despite going 0-for-3 in Wednesday’s game against the Texas Rangers.
That performance, combined with his budding versatility in the infield, has him pushing for a spot on the 26-man roster.