The Rangers announced that they’ve claimed catcher Aramis Garcia off waivers from the Giants, who had designated him for assignment Friday. The waiver claim brings the Rangers’ 40-man roster to a total of 39 players.
Garcia, 27, at one point looked like he could potentially factor into the Giants’ long-term catching outlook in some regard. He’s never rated as an elite prospect, but the 2014 second-rounder has a respectable track record in Triple-A and debuted with a .268/.308/.492 slash through 65 plate appearances in 2018.
However, Garcia saw only sparing time in the Majors in 2019, and he underwent hip surgery back in February that wiped out his entire 2020 season. Top catching prospect Joey Bart debuted this past season, meanwhile, and Giants icon Buster Posey is expected back in 2021 after opting out of the previous season.
Garcia seems to be a good fit for the catching-needy Rangers, who have a well-regarded prospect of their own looming in Sam Huff. Jose Trevino figures to get the bulk of the work while Huff heads to Triple-A to begin the 2021 season, but Garcia should have a chance to earn a spot and a part-time role in Spring Training — assuming he’s healthy.
This is not the Aramis you are looking for.
Good job. Minor move, but a needed one nonetheless. A backup catcher. We needed Trevino to have a backup to start the season, and here he is. I like this. Now move on to some pitching moves.
Wow. Garcia, Shaw and Humphries all getting scooped up like fresh Giants dog poop.
Seriously, I won’t be surprised to see all 3 get dropped after December 2. LOTS of players will be released that day.
Worth taking a risk on
davemlaw:
I agree with two out of three. If Garcia is healthy he could very well stick with the Rangers. Being an effective back-up catcher is far more valuable than whan Shaw and Humphries offer, especially Shaw.
Not surprised. Only thing is that if the org thinks they can do the “new scenery” approach, that’s all they got because they sure don’t have the track record of development.
Texaniteasy:
I don’t think this is a change-of-scenery case. The Giants were high on Garcia and he produced in his first season backing up Posey. They had him earmarked to back him up in 2020 before the injury.. I think SF cut him loose due to the injury and having other backstops available that will be ready in ST.. If he recovers I think he could be a good pickup. I’m guessing Texas has the space on the 40-man to be able to wait until he is recovered.
I’m sorry to see Humphreys go.
Hope it works out for Aramis