LA Angels Top Prospect Countdown: #28 Julio Garcia

The LA Angels have one of the worst farm systems in baseball. However, they have a good mix of prospects who will help soon and some with star potential down the road. In this series, we will evaluate each of the Angels Top 30 prospects. Today, it’s shortstop Julio Garcia.

Garcia, 19, was signed for $565,000 in 2014 as an international free agent. He was and still is a relatively unknown prospect. The Angels are obviously confident in his potential and his ability to reach his ceiling to sign such a young player for so much money.

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Garcia is a switch-hitting shortstop. The Angels paid him for his bat, as that is apparently his best asset. He hopes to stick it out as a shortstop, as he does get a good jump on the ball and has an exceptional arm. However, a move to third or second base could be in his future.

Garcia has spent the last few seasons in rookie ball. He has played in the Arizona League and in the Dominican Summer League during the offseason. Garcia has played in 78 games over the past three seasons, as he has dealt with injuries consistently. He has hit .193 with 24 RBI’s and 18 stolen bases. Garcia does lack patience at the plate, evidenced by his 76 strikeouts to only 17 walks in three seasons.

He was limited to only 14 games in 2016. He fractured his cheekbone after a foul-tip struck him on a bunt attempt. This, among with other injuries throughout his career, has cut into important developmental seasons for Garcia. However, he does not turn 20 until January, so he still has plenty of time to adjust his game. He has grown stronger since being signed and shows a good swing from both sides of the plate. He just needs to stay healthy long enough for him to learn how to face top tier pitchers.

Garcia has yet to play in 2017, but should be ready for another year of the Dominican Summer League and Arizona Fall League.

Next: Can the Angels Gain Ground on the First Place Astros?

Garcia flashes great potential, but Halo fans should not expect to see him at the Big A anytime soon.