Not long ago, there was significant excitement surrounding the potential of this young pitcher in the New York Yankees’ farm system.
However, for the second time since leaving the Yankees’ organization, former top prospect Deivi Garcia is set to try to fulfill his potential with a new team.
As reported by ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan, Garcia, a 25-year-old right-hander, has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal also includes an invitation to big-league spring training, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
Garcia made his major league debut with the Yankees during the Covid-shortened 2020 season, making six starts, posting a 3-2 record, and a 3.98 ERA. He also made a brief appearance as an opener in Game 2 of the ALDS that year, throwing one inning in the postseason.
Over his time with the Yankees from 2020-2023, Garcia pitched 48.1 innings (eight starts, 10 appearances), recording a 4.84 ERA. He was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox in August 2023.
Garcia made just 20 appearances for the struggling White Sox over the past two seasons, registering a 5.40 ERA. He began the 2024 season in Chicago’s bullpen but was designated for assignment after posting a poor 7.07 ERA in 14 relief appearances. He spent the remainder of 2024 with Triple-A Charlotte before opting for free agency this offseason.
Now, Garcia will join the Brewers as part of their efforts to revitalize young pitchers’ careers, a task the team has a reputation for excelling at.
There was once more hype around Garcia within the Yankees’ system compared to Luis Gil, who recently won the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Award, announced on Monday.
Despite recent struggles, Garcia still has time to rediscover his form at just 25 years old and could reinvent himself in Milwaukee, potentially developing into a solid swing starter or bullpen option.
More news….
Juan Soto’s Free Agency Decision Leaves Yankees Concerned as Mets Express Interest
Juan Soto, a four-time MLB All-Star and 2019 World Series champion, will take his time evaluating free agency before deciding on his next contract.
Soto, who has previously been a free agent, signed with the Washington Nationals, made his MLB debut in 2018, and finished as the Rookie of the Year runner-up. Now, with his current contract ending, Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, are looking to replicate that success.
Boras explained that the decision will be a personal one for Soto, emphasizing that he wants to meet with potential teams in person before making any decisions. “Due to the volume of interest and Juan’s desire to hear [from other teams], I can’t put a timeframe on it, but it’s going to be a very thorough process for him,” Boras told ESPN. “He wants to meet people personally. He wants to talk with them. He wants to hear from them.”
Soto has earned a reputation as a fan favorite thanks to his exceptional skills as a left fielder, right fielder, and batter. Even when he returned to Nationals Park as a member of the Padres, he received a standing ovation. This past season with the New York Yankees, Soto played a key role in their World Series run, hitting 41 home runs.
“Owners want to meet with Juan and sit down and talk with him about what they’re going to provide for their franchise short term and long term,” Boras added.
While the Yankees remain interested in re-signing him, they face stiff competition, with the New York Mets emerging as a strong contender. Reports from The Mirror last week suggested that the Mets are planning to meet with Soto. Other teams, including the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, could also pursue the outfielder, according to ESPN.
Boras noted that the interest in Soto is likely just beginning, stating that any serious franchise will want a “great magician” like him, particularly given his proven ability to perform in the playoffs.
