Jose Garcia marks the final time that the Cincinnati Reds were able to simply use money to outbid the field on a player. The Reds paid $5M to sign Garcia, and another $5M in penalties to Major League Baseball for going over their pool allotment. It was the last season in which teams were allowed to go over their pool allotment. Moving forward there are no penalties, you simply are only allowed to spend what you are allotted.
The Reds officially signed Jose Garcia in June. There were, however, some things that needed to be taken care of before he was allowed to begin playing. He was assigned to the Dominican Summer League Reds. He, however, never played in a game before their season came to an end. The shortstop remained in the Dominican after the season ended and participated in the instructional league that takes place down there.
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Jose Garcia Scouting Report
Hitting | Depending on who you ask you may get a different answer. The most favorable reports suggest an above-average hit-tool. Other ones have noted a slightly below-average one.
Power | There’s at least average raw power in his bat with perhaps a tick more in there.
Running | He’s a slightly above-average runner according to reports I’ve gotten.
Arm | His arm is above-average to plus and will play anywhere on the field.
Defense | The Reds believe he has a chance to remain at shortstop, though others think he could outgrow the position if he fills out his frame at all. Either way, he’s not going to stand out defensively at the position.
Jose Garcia is more of a bat-first shortstop prospect. There’s not much statistical information to go on for the now 19-year-old, who hasn’t played in a league we have stats for yet. But, when watching him play, the tools are there for the liking. He’s got a nice frame – a lean 6′ 3″ and 170 lbs right now. There’s plenty of bat speed to work with from the right side of the plate. His arm stands out as a strong point on defense. There’s a chance he’s a 5-tool guy in the future if he develops. Look for him in the United States for 2018, though what level he will be at has yet to be determined.