The 30-year old veteran last pitched in the Nationals organization.
The Mets added yet another fringy relief option today, signing veteran pitcher Rico Garcia to a minor league deal. The contract is prorated and worth $900,000. Like the recent signings/waiver claims of Kevin Herget, Dylan Covey, and Chris Devenski, this is depth signing with hopes that, perhaps, a standout season in the minors last year will lead to an interesting bullpen piece.
Garcia, a 30 year old Hawaiian native, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 30th round of the 2016 MLB draft. Garcia made his big league debut in August of 2019, pitching six innings across two games. Early in that following offseason, the San Francisco Giants claimed Garcia off of waivers and, after a non-tender and a new minor league deal, Garcia appeared in 12 games in 2020 before requiring Tommy John surgery and missing all of 2021.
After signing with Baltimore in November of ‘21, Garcia made his Orioles debut due to Keegan Akin not being vaccinated when the team traveled to Toronto to play the Blue Jays in June of 2022. In six games for the O’s, Garcia had the most big league success of his career, good for an ERA+ of 91.
In 2023, Garcia began the year with the Athletics, for whom he appeared in seven games. He was designated for assignment in July and elected free agency. Garcia signed with the Washington National nine days later, and made three more MLB appearances before the end of the season.
In September of 2023, Garcia was released and then re-signed a two-year minor league contract with Washington. He spent all of 2024 in the International League as a Rochester Red Bird, putting up a 4.52 ERA over 55 games, putting up a career best 13.0 strikeout per nine innings and a career low walk rate (1.3/9). As noted by MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Garcia led the International League with 20 saves. At the end of the 2024 season, Garcia elected free agency.
Garcia’s MLB career has been less than distinguished, with a ERA+ of 62, a 7.32 ERA, and a 5.3 K/9. However, his ERA in the minors is nearly runs lower, 3.58 with a 9.8 K/9 ratio.