Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 149 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 06/09/2004
Country: Colombia
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2021
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Pirates signed Garces when the 2020-21 signing period began, which wasn’t until January 2021. He was probably the top pitcher in their signing class. Garces’ velocity has improved to 90 mph, and he has a curve and change that both have plus potential. Control, though, has been a big problem.
2021-24
Garces served mostly as a starter in the DSL in his first season, although the starter/reliever distinction means less and less in the minors. He was erratic, partly due to control issues, but had a good K/9 of 9.7.
In 2022, the Pirates moved Garces up to the FCL, where he made ten relief appearances. He continued to show good stuff, striking out 9.5 per nine innings, but the control problems were bad. In addition to 21 walks in 18 innings, he hit six batters. He went back to the FCL in 2023 and had another rough season, with an 8.63 ERA. He got the walks down to 7.9 per nine, but he struck out only 6.4.
In 2024, Garces returned to the FCL for a third season. His ERA dropped to 5.32, but he didn’t actually pitch any better as his control problems got worse; he walked 32 in just 23.3 IP and hit another six batters.
Stats
Transactions
January 15, 2021: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.