Wilkerman Garcia
| AB | 1155 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .242 |
| OBP | .294 |
| SLG | .326 |
| HR | 12 |
- Full name Wilkerman Ivan Garcia
- Born 04/01/1998 in Maracay, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 176 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
The first season away from the complex leagues did not go well for Garcia, who ranked as the No. 7 international prospect in 2014 and was part of the Yankees' $30 million haul that summer. The Yankees liked Garcia's feel to hit from both sides of the plate and his advanced discipline for his age. He missed out on a full-season assignment to begin this year because of a shoulder injury from spring training, then struggled as one of the younger players in the Rookie-level Appalachian League. He hit .198/.255/.284 with Pulaski and managed 14 extra-base hits in 54 games. Scouts inside and outside of the organization still believe in Garcia's ability to be an average hitter as he matures, albeit without much power. He's a polished defender with an arm that some rate as just average while others have seen it flash above-average. He's an average runner, and scouts who saw him this year think he might have to move to second base. The Yankees could continue with an aggressive track for Garcia and assign him to low Class A Charleston, but another year in extended spring training followed by short-season Staten Island is a likely path as well. -
The Yankees signed Garcia for $1.35 million and pushed him to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League as a 17-year-old, a sure sign of how highly he's regarded. Garcia rewarded their faith with one of the strongest showings in the league. Garcia, ranked as the No. 7 international prospect in 2014, spent the offseason training in Miami, adding strength and flexibility thanks to a focus on plyometrics. Much as when he signed, Garcia still draws raves for his switch-hitting ability and feel to hit from both sides of the plate. He walked (24) more than he struck out (19) in the GCL, showing an exception feel for the strike zone for his age. Garcia has worked hard to improve his speed and explosiveness, which has translated into improved defense at shortstop. He has fluid infield actions, and his speed and arm also grade as plus, though he needs refinement on the bases and experience in the field. The Yankees encouraged their players to be aggressive on the basepaths, so Garcia's ability to steal bases could improve as he refines his technique. If everything clicks, Garcia has the potential to be a five-tool player, with some scouts even giving him future average power. The Yankees were aggressive with Jorge Mateo, another prized shortstop, in 2015 and could do the same with Garcia. If they aren't, he'll start at Rookie-level Pulaski or short-season Staten Island after extended spring training.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
The Yankees dropped a fortune on international signings in 2014, which included a $1.35 million bonus for Garcia, the most impressive of the group so far. While most 17-year-old Latin Americans struggle when thrown into the fire in the U.S., Garcia hit .281 and walked more than he struck, though he missed time early with a hamstring injury. Garcia combines smart, instinctive play with good tools and athleticism. He's a switch-hitter with a sound hitting approach from both sides, using all fields and showing good patience and bat-to-ball skills. Garcia is a line-drive hitter with gap power, though with his youth and broad shoulders he could eventually grow into average power. His speed has increased since signing and he's now a plus runner, though he's still learning to read pitchers to become a better basestealer. While scouts from other clubs felt Garcia would fit better at second or third base, the Yankees were convicted he could play shortstop. He's backed up their confidence by showing a plus arm, good hands and footwork along with a knack for slowing the game down.
