Former SF Giants, Pirates reliever eyeing big-league comeback
Former SF Giants left-handed reliever Jarlín García is eyeing a comeback to the big leagues after missing the entire 2023 season, according to MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams. García, who was physically unable to pitch with a nerve issue in his bicep last season, has not appeared in a big-league game since he was with the Giants in 2022.
SF Giants relief pitcher Jarlin Garcia pitches against the Rockies. (2022)
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
A six-year veteran, García became an underrated factor in the Giants bullpen for three seasons from 2020-22 after he was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins. During that span, he recorded a 2.84 ERA with a 22.6% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate in 152 innings of work. Only Tyler Rogers fired more innings out of the bullpen than García during his tenure in San Francisco.
Prior to his tenure with the Giants, García had spent his entire professional career with Miami. After jumping straight from Double-A to the majors in 2017, the southpaw established himself as a middle reliever in the Marlins bullpen. He was far from exceptional, but posted a solid 4.29 ERA in 170 innings pitched across three seasons.
Adams also reports that García has recently begun throwing again and has garnered interest from roughly a half-dozen organizations. While he won’t be available in spring training, García’s expected timetable to compete in games again is the beginning of May.
García, 31, signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2023 campaign but never appeared in a game with the Bucs after being placed on the 60-day injured list toward the end of spring training. Despite scans returning clear of structural damage, the injury left García unable to properly grip a baseball.
Given his injury, Pittsburgh opted to decline the southpaw’s $3.25 million club option for 2024, making him a free agent in November. With his current health status, it seems likely that Jarlín García will have to settle for a minor-league contract. While it may not be the team's biggest need, a reunion with the SF Giants could make sense for both sides.
