DECEMBER 3: Garcia is now an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team, MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez tweets.
AUGUST 30: Cuban outfielder Jose Adolis Garcia has left his home nation in hopes of securing an opportunity with a major league organization, Ben Badler of Baseball America reports. The 24-year-old is the younger brother of Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia.
Given his age and experience in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, Garcia will be exempt from international bonus pools. Of course, he’ll still need to clear several hurdles before he is eligible to sign.
Badler explains that the younger Garcia brings an impressive set of tools — including a quick bat, 60-grade speed, and top-level arm strength. While he has lined up mostly in right field, Garcia is said to hold the promise of playing center.
Badler notes that Garcia’s strong recent production in Cuba may somewhat overstate his polish at the plate, though, as he needs significant refinement as a hitter. Indeed, he struggled in a recent stint in Japan’s second level of professional ball. As always, you’ll want to read Badler’s report for a full breakdown.
In the aggregate, it’ll likely be some time until Garcia has a real chance of appearing at the major league level. Badler suggests he’ll likely be ready for an initial assignment in the upper minors, but even the start of his professional career could take a year or more to get underway — unless, perhaps, further rule changes ease the transition for players coming out of Cuba.
Maybe the blue Jays could sign him. They need a right fielder once Bautista leaves
Pale hose step up, make me proud.
Has that ever happened?
Yeah 2005
The O’s should consider signing him. Jones is getting hurt more frequently and they need outfield help next year
Does Atlanta have a chance given his brother is with the team? Sign him early and let him develop.
Hold on guys and gals…..just another Ben Badler promise of stardom, that will surely follow the “showcase of talent” path and then signing for every dollar he can get.
Rue the team that continues to fall for this as if they do they deserve everything they DON’T get.
Bring him aboard Braves! I like Adonis and what he brings to the team so let’s bring the little bro aboard.
I’d agree to that, and probably wouldn’t be a lot required contract wise.
So have the new bonus rules kicked in yet, or is he exempt from the bonus rules?
Yeah he is exempt according to the article
Come to atlanta and play with your brother
Sure hope Badler took 5% for every awful Cuban evaluation he’s written. Hey Ben, who is your top 20 this year? You’re stealing money pal.