Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Report: Willy Garcia

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ number 12 overall prospect – and 3rd ranked outfield prospect – is Willy Garcia, a prototypical right fielder from the Dominican Republic. Garcia will be 23 years old for the 2016 season but has been with the Pirates since he was 17, working his way through every rank from the Dominican Summer League to Triple-A.

Garcia is an explosive player on both sides of the ball, with the power to hit a ball into the upper deck and the arm strength to prevent teams from taking extra bases. He’s played all three positions in the outfield during his career; his lack of range will keep him out of centerfield, but the arm that has thrown out 111 baserunners over six professional seasons makes him an ideal right fielder.

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While his arm has earned him respect throughout the minors, defense can only take an outfielder so far and Garcia needs to tighten up his offensive game. He has ridiculous raw power but pitchers know they don’t have to challenge him because Garcia will chase everything.

It’s not like his power hasn’t shown – Garcia has hit 67 home runs over the past four seasons – but the problem is in that same time span, he’s walked just 102 times while striking out 571 times. Over the course of his career, Garcia has struck out nearly five times more than he’s walked.

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However, it’s not all bad when taking into account the improvements Garcia has made. In 2015, between Double-A and Triple-A, he batted .275 with an on-base percentage of .314, both the highest he’s recorded over a full season (he posted higher OBP’s twice in shortened Rookie ball seasons).

Garcia seems like an intriguing weapon in the outfield, but if he never forms some plate discipline it may keep him from the starting lineup. Even if that were the case, his arm and home run-power make him a viable 4th outfield option; one fit for both a defensive replacement or a late game at-bat when you need someone to clear the bases.

Garcia started last season in Double-A and absolutely tore it up, batting .314 before being called up to Triple-A Indianapolis. In 2016, Garcia will undoubtedly return to Indy where he can work on his approach at the plate. Although he’s caught up to the traffic in the Pirates’ outfield depth chart, the extra time in the minors should allow Garcia ample time to develop a sharper eye.