Name: Deivi Garcia
DOB: 5/19/1999 (20)
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 163 lbs
Affiliate: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A)
OFP/Role: Middle of the rotation starting pitcher (#3)
Risk Factor: Medium
MLB ETA: 2019

Background

The Dominican Republic native has skyrocketed in the prospect rankings around Major League Baseball the past couple months. Recognized as the Yankees top prospect by most media outlets, Garcia has flown through several levels of the minor leagues over the past two seasons at a remarkable rate. After signing for a mere $200,000 as an international free agent back in 2015, Garcia will prove to be worth every penny of that minimal signing bonus for the Yankees organization. At just 20-years old, Garcia has polish well beyond his years.

Arsenal

Fastball: The fastball is a plus pitch for Garcia that ranges from 92-97 mph. Velocity wise he usually sits in the mid-’90s, however, he can unquestionably reach back for more when he needs to. His spin rate is above average which makes the pitch play up against hitters even further due to the deceptive movement on the ball. As the scouts say, his four-seam fastball has riding life on it.

Changeup: Garcia’s changeup is his third-best pitch and grades below average right now. He throws the pitch 85-87 mph, however it should become an average Major League pitch in the future. It does feature a tad bit of fading life on it so that is encouraging.

Curveball: The curve is by far Garcia’s best pitch as it grades plus-plus right now. He threw it between 77-79 mph during the Futures Game. The spin rate grades well above average at over 3,000 revolutions per minute and his 11-5 hook feature plenty of depth and bite.

Slider: Garcia has said that he likes his slider and is confident that he will develop the pitch, however, it is well below average and needs plenty of improvement if it is going to be in his future arsenal. He throws it in the high 80’s, usually between 86-87 mph. It is important to keep in mind that Garcia just began throwing this pitch during the regular season of 2019 so it is a new weapon for him.

Body

At just 5’9” and 163 lb. Garcia has a very small frame, so naturally, durability issues immediately come into question. Bottom line – can he remain a starter? I think so because he has two well-above-average pitches and combines that with good athleticism. He will fill out and gain strength so it is quite possible that he can add even more velocity to his fastball in the future.

Mechanics

Garcia throws from a high three-quarter arm slot and does repeat his delivery on a consistent basis. He throws from the third-base side of the mound and gets good extension for his size. The right-hander does throw slightly across his body and hides the ball very well so his pitching motion aids his deception. It is very hard to pick up his pitches early in his delivery. Also, Garcia doesn’t have an arm motion that lags behind or is too long, boding well for his minimal future injury risk.

Command

Plain and simple, the youngster throws strikes. He has proven he is comfortable throwing inside on right-handed batters with his good fastball, doing so with confidence and conviction. Garcia works north and south effectively and grades extremely well in this facet. If you are an opponent you better be ready to hit, Garcia will come right at you.

Overall

While Deivi doesn’t project to be a top of the rotation starter, a number three Major League starter is still extremely valuable. Barring an emergency situation, Garcia will not be ready to help the Yankees during the stretch run as a starter this fall due to his innings limit.  He will be Rule 5 eligible this offseason and will have to be added to the 40-man roster to be protected.  With that in mind it is highly likely that he could join the Yankees as a bullpen arm for the final stretch of the season.