3. Wilkerman Garcia
In July of 2014, the New York Yankees signed international free agent Wilkerman Garcia, from Venezuela, who received a signing bonus of $1.35 million.
Fast-forward two seasons and the kid is currently the number 11 prospect in the Yankees farm system, as well as being the third top shortstop in the system.
The 18-year old is an above average defender at shortstop. As a switch-hitter, he does a great job at seeing the ball well and making contact from both sides of the plate.
The key tools scouts admire when looking at Garcia are his lighting fast speed and his amazing arm strength. He also carries a solid bat which does not carry much pop, but he is efficient at putting the ball in play.
In 2015, Garcia split 39 games between the Dominican Summer League Yankees as well as the Gulf Coast Yanks. In those 39 games, he was able to accumulate a slash line of .299/.414/.362, which was more than impressive as a teenager.
However, Garcia would be unable to replicate these numbers as the 2016 season where he experienced a heavy sophomore slump. In 54 games with the Pulaski Yankees, Garcia sported a poor .198/.255/.284 slash line with just one home run and 13 RBI’s.
The belief within the organization is that the struggles Garcia experienced in Pulaski were solely due to him trying to adjust to a new level at such a young age.
The faith in him is still as high as it was before the season and knowing the veteran mindset of Garcia, he will continue to make adjustments that will naturally come to him as he matures.
The ability to bat switch opens up an endless amount of possibilities for the young shortstop. Couple that with his lightning speed and Garcia’s equipped with abilities that are very coveted commodities within the major leagues.
