Deivi Garcia

Garcia made eight big-league appearances between the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, but he struggled at Triple-A last season and spent some time at Double-A. Overall in 2022 he had a 6.91 ERA across 64 innings between the two levels, and his command was a major issue with 32 walks. Garcia's walk rate has been a point of concern through his minor-league career, though he tamed it briefly during his six MLB starts in 2020. He'll turn 24 years old in May and clearly still has some time to develop, but he's unlikely to operate as more than a spot starter for the Yankees in 2023 without getting the free passes under control.

As a 21-year-old, Garcia pitched well enough in his first six big-league starts that he is assured of a rotation spot with the Yankees to open the season. Last year was the first time he logged a quality walk rate (4.1%) above High-A, and while the Yankees reportedly moved him to the first base side of the rubber and quieted his delivery, it's too small of a sample to assume this is Garcia's new true talent command and control. He needs to command his 92-mph fourseamer (touches 95), since it lacks premium velocity and he throws it 60 percent of the time. Garcia's trio of secondaries have always been quality, high-spin pitches, with his changeup and curveball projecting as plus offerings. At 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, there are questions about his ability to limit the long ball and handle a starter's workload, but the biggest question is just how real his improved strike throwing was last season.

There was an excellent window to cash out Garcia when he was thriving at Double-A (37.0 K%) and there were whispers that he could make his big-league debut in the second half. However, after he predictably struggled as a 20-year-old at Triple-A, he is back to being properly valued in dynasty leagues. A fierce competitor who gets the most out of his stuff, Garcia has a plus low-to-mid-90s fastball, and his curveball and slider have rotated as his go-to strikeout offerings -- both pitches have plus potential. He also has an average fourth-pitch changeup. The big question with Garcia is whether he will be a starter or reliever. His BB% has been north of 11% at Double-A and Triple-A, and at 5-foot-9, 163 pounds, he is hardly built to handle a starter's workload. If his command improves at Triple-A, he could make his MLB debut in the rotation. If not, his stuff will clearly play in a multi-inning relief role.

The Yankees kept Garcia in extended spring training until early June, but once he was set loose, he dominated, climbing from Low-A to Double-A in the span of just 14 starts. He only logged 74 innings in his age-19 season, but if he had pitched enough to qualify, he would have led the Sally League (31.2%), Florida State League (24.8%) and Eastern League (29.4%) in K-BB%. Until he has success as a starter in the big leagues, there will always be an urge to peg him as a future reliever, given the right-hander's 5-foot-10, 163-pound frame. His fastball sits at 93-94 mph and he retires hitters with a 60-grade high-spin curveball. Garcia's changeup is still a work in progress, but it could develop into a viable third pitch. His demeanor on the mound is another mark in his favor -- he pitched with extreme confidence, despite being smaller (and younger) than almost every hitter he faced. He will be a quality big-league pitcher, but his eventual role is unclear.