The Oakland A’s are continuing to amass more depth pieces for the edges of their 40 man roster.
This time, they have brought in another bullpen piece. As reported by Jessica Kleinschmidt, the A’s signed journeyman reliever Rico Garcia to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Rico Garcia another depth option for Oakland A’s
The A’s are now Garcia’s fourth organization since he was selected in the 30th round by the Rockies in the 2016 MLB Draft. He was claimed off waivers by the Giants in 2019, spending two years in the organization before being signed by the Orioles. A free agent once more, it did not take long for the A’s to scoop him up.
He has spent parts of three seasons in the majors, getting a look with each organization he has been part of. Garcia has not had much success, posting a 6.38 ERA and a 1.750 WHiP over his 24 innings, striking out 11 batters with 12 walks. He has not had much success at Triple-A either, posting a 5.25 ERA and a 1.500 WHiP over 96 innings, although with a much more palatable 91 strikeouts and 42 walks.
But those numbers are skewed by a rough showing in Triple-A as a starter in 2019. Garcia fared much better at the level in 2022, posting a 2.34 ERA and a 1.125 WHiP with 40 strikeouts and 14 walks over 34.2 innings. That type of performance is worth a chance.
The A’s do have plenty of opportunities available. While their bullpen is relatively set, there are still a few open roles. Garcia may end up as Triple-A depth at the start of the 2023 campaign, but he is still likely to get a look in their bullpen at some point during the season.
The Oakland A’s have added another depth option in the bullpen. Rico Garcia has been signed to a minor league deal and will get a look in spring training.