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Deivi Garcia 2021 Outlook: Pitching Prospect Looking To Stick In Starting Rotation
4 years agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher Deivi Garcia impressed in limited action last year and the team seems content to open the season with the 21-year-old in the rotation. Garcia pitched better than his 4.98 ERA would indicate as one lousy start skewed his numbers away from a more respectable 4.15 FIP. The right-hander was effective in most of his outings, pitching at least six innings in four of his six starts. Garcia doesn't blow hitters away as his heater averages just 91.9 MPH, but he generates a ton of spin on the ball and hides pitches well. He keeps hitters off-balance with three offspeed pitches, all of which generate whiffs at least 20 percent of the time. In fact, Garcia should improve his strikeout numbers in year two as he adjusts to MLB hitters. Garcia posted at least a 30-percent K-rate every season through Double-A, so he should be better than his 22.6-percent K-rate in the Majors. The issue for Garcia is innings. He never threw 100 innings in a season in the minors and New York won't want to push their top-pitching prospect. This means Garcia isn't a must-roster player in all leagues, but he should be started when he has a good matchup. Garcia is a strong sleeper candidate available near pick 300-overall.
