The Texas Rangers have claimed catcher Aramis Garcia on waivers from the San Francisco Giants, the team announced today. Texas had two open 40 man roster spots, so no corresponding move was necessary to clear a spot for Garcia.
Garcia, who turns 28 in January, was a second round pick of the Giants out of Florida International in 2014. He spent most of 2018 in AA, with a little time in AAA and in the majors, and spent most of 2019 in AAA, with a short amount of time in the majors. He missed 2020 due to a torn hip labrum that required surgery in February.
The scouting report on Garcia is that he is a decent defensive catcher and has some raw power, but there are questions about whether the hit tool will allow him to tap into that power. He was seen as a likely backup for the Giants in 2020 pre-injury, and has also played first base along with catcher.
Garcia is a righthanded hitter, and he may get a chance to back up Jose Trevino and get the occasional start at first base in 2021. He has an option remaining, according to Fangraphs, so he could stick around as minor league depth even if he doesn’t make the team out of spring training. Or he could end up back on the waiver wire later this offseason.
In any case, the Rangers, at least for now, have an Aramis Garcia and an Adolis Garcia, so they have that going for them.