The Angels announced Wednesday that they’ve claimed infielder Robel Garcia off waivers from the Mets, who designated him for assignment Monday to clear roster space for trade acquisition Jordan Yamamoto. The Angels’ 40-man roster is now up to 39 players.
The 27-year-old Garcia took an unconventional route (to say the least) to his 2019 Major League debut with the Cubs. The former Indians farmhand was out of affiliated ball from 2014-18 before the Cubs caught a look at him playing for a professional team in Italy. They brought him in on a minor league pact, and Garcia hit the ground running in Double-A. He earned a promotion to Triple-A after just 92 plate appearances and showed off mammoth power between those two levels, slugging 27 long balls in just 388 trips to the plate.
It took Garcia all of 98 games between Double-A and Triple-A to earn a call to the big leagues. In the span of a calendar year, he went from playing in the Italian Baseball League to starting at second base for the Cubs.
The Cubs gave Garcia 80 plate appearances in 2019. He responded with a tepid .208 average and .275 on-base percentage but still slugged .500 thanks to five homers, two doubles and two triples in that short time. Garcia also punched out in 35 of those 80 plate appearances, so while the raw power he possesses is plain to see, there’s some obvious work to be done on his approach at the plate. He still has a minor league option remaining, so the Angels can shuttle him between Triple-A and the Majors if he makes it to the end of Spring Training still on the 40-man roster.
Prospects in AAA he’ll block: none.
Would rather have Jones still in the fold, but there’s enough middle infield depth ahead of him I doubt we’ll see Garcia.
With Barreto coming back from shoulder surgery, this guy is one injury away from being up in the big leagues.
True. Barreto is likely behind Rengifo who is behind Fletcher, so even if Garcia is one injury away he’s three people away from much playing time.
Watch him become a Tommy LeStella part 2!
I’d be happy if that happened
More like watch him be DFA if the Angels ever add a RH Outfielder to share RF with Schebler til Adell or Marsh are ready
If the Angels go with a Schebler platoon in right, I expect Taylor Ward will be his platoon partner.
A Scott Schebler sighting! I miss his chewing on his mouthpiece while in the batter’s box.
He has a ton of potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.
perry must have been so jealous of cubs having him. unother useless body in 40 men. sign a setup man, for god’s sake!
Angels winning offseason
I’m no expert, but I think an infielder was the last position we needed.
Ok, the Angels site article was a little more specific by explaining he can also play both corner outfield positions, which we do need. So maybe it makes a little sense.
On Baseball Reference they were a little more specific. 118 innings at 2B, 16 innings in LF, and 3 innings in RF over his MLB career. How many innings are in a baseball game? He’s a second baseman who can occasionally play left field.
Always liked this guy. Wish the Cubs would’ve gave him a longer look.
This guy is literally Pedro Serrano. Fastball, he likes very much. Curveball, bats are afraid.
“Hats for bats…keep bats warm..”
“Is very bad to steal Jobu’s rum. Is very BAD…”
I know it says he plays 2nd but seems like an upgrade over what I expect Pujols to do.
More importantly he plays RF, which is still a hole for us.
pujols may not have the range he used to have but he is still a very good defender within his range.
Love reading all of the “this is such a power depth move; he ain’t blocking nuffin, axe anyone,” from all of the typical fans who think any move is great, no matter how small.
I assume you have a point in there that you must have just “left out”
The Angels love their dumpster diving. “You know, Elaine, you’re the bear claw in the garbage bag of my life.”
the Angels should change their name to Waste Management. always picking up the garbage
Typical AAA lifer,kills the fastball but chases butterflies with a hula hoop on off speed junk.
Color me intrigued but I would want too see this guy this year as well to see if he can improve on any of the recent gains
Seemed like a better fit in CHC tho for the 40 …I was semi excited to see him land in Chicago before as I thought it was a good fit
29 teams in nl passed on him.
Most of those teams have full 40-man rosters and would have had to designate someone for assignment to make room for him. The Angels had room on their roster.
most kept 1 for possible dh.
so when I say the waivers go by league first im wrong but when I dont say it they do go by league?
disregard nl part. my mistake.
Viz- He belongs on somebodies 40 to get a look at this year….as you can see I didnt exactly say ANA was the best fit
Your starting to see a lotta guys breakout late 20’s these days….My guess better tech/training/diet but the perception has also changed now as well to give them a shot……Not long ago you didnt make it by 28 you were done and better start looking for a real job
Pitching. Get some pitching.
Light Tower Power for depth worth a look in ST and can play in AAA.
When are the Angels going to sign anymore MLB plyrs? or they are tapped out on salary cap.
Did Joe have a say in this acquisition?
Guy is under team control till 2027- so much potential here. Hasn’t even hit arbitration yet. Even if he pans as a reliable bench bat/utility guy, then this is a great claim.
He could be a useful player unfortunately he strikes out far too often, like 45% of the time too often lol.