The Pittsburgh Pirates have continued to evaluate their young talent as Spring Training is here, and one youngster who has made a noticeable impact in camp is outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia.
While Garcia entered camp already known for his power at the plate, his all-around game has caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Pirates skipper Don Kelly recently spoke about Garcia’s game and explained that some of the most impressive aspects have been areas that weren’t as widely known before camp started.
“I think the two things that stand out to me that I may not have known coming in, you hear all about the power, you see the video, is the outfield defense," Kelly said, per DK Pittsburgh Sports. "The way he’s been able to go and attack the baseball in the outfield.”
In addition to his defensive improvements, Kelly also pointed to noticeable changes in Garcia’s approach at the plate. Garcia has a chance to be a big-time hitter if he can get it all figured out in the show.
Garcia appears to have made that a focus during the offseason.
“I believe that he’s gotten better in swing decisions,” Kelly said. “Something that he targeted coming in that he’s done a really good job of battling with two strikes, trying to eliminate as much chase outside of the strike zone.”
Improving his ability to control the zone would be a significant step in Garcia’s development. For hitters with big time power, limiting strikeouts and swings at pitches outside the zone can totally change how they look.
Kelly added that those improvements have been noticeable throughout camp.
“He’s done that this camp and I think that along with the outfield defense is something that has stood out.”
If Garcia continues building on his game, he could quickly become one of the more intriguing young players in Pittsburgh’s system as the organization looks toward its future. The Pirates need all the offensive help they can get, so he’d be welcomed.
The youngster has shown the ability to leave the yard and now has figured out some other things in his game.