Bryan Garcia discussed his showcase with Cuban Baseball Digest, where 26 MLB teams were present.
Garcia, drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 6th round of the 2016 MLB draft, had an impressive collegiate career at the University of Miami. Finishing with a 2.02 ERA, 15 wins, 43 saves, and 147 strikeouts, he became the first Hurricane to win the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award in 2016. That year, he set a Miami record with 18 saves, with a 1.89 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 38 innings.
Starting his professional career with the Connecticut Tigers, Garcia progressed through different levels in the Tigers organization between 2016 and 2019. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018, he made a comeback in 2019, pitching 41 innings in the farm. On September 1st, 2019, he received the call to the Major League and debuted on September 2nd vs the Minnesota Twins, throwing a 1-2-3 inning.
In 2020, Garcia earned the Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year award, as recognized by the Detroit Sports Media Association. He appeared in 26 games, striking out 12 in 21.2 innings, winning 2 games, and saving 4 with a 1.66 ERA.
Garcia continued with the Tigers until 2022 and joined the Houston Astros organization in 2023 but was released later in the year. Seeking another opportunity, he joined Cangrejeros de Santurce in the Puerto Rican Winter League for the 2023-24 season.
Currently, Garcia is working towards another shot with an MLB organization. He will represent Puerto Rico in the 2024 Caribbean Series, playing for the Criollos de Caguas.
What was the goal of the showcase?
Trying to show the changes I’ve made, the mechanics, the arsenal to hopefully pitch next year for one of these teams.
The season in the winter leagues in Santurce, how did that help you prepare for this showcase?
Big time, it was really fun; the fans are great. We had a great run, unfortunately, we came up short. It helped me get some innings, get some work. It’s competitive, trying to win.
Compare the talent level that you faced there than in the Majors or Minors.
It’s not the Major Leagues; I know we had 5-6 Big Leaguers in our lineup, same for the other teams. Very good talent level, comparable to Double-A and Triple-A.
During your time in Houston and Detroit organizations , anything that you picked up and applied today in the showcase?
Just go out there and give the best you got that day; that’s all you can do.
Any offers on the table?
Not yet.