The Tigers closed out the winter meetings on Thursday by adding to their pitching staff.
With the first overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft, Detroit selected right-hander Rony Garcia from the Yankees. Garcia, who turns 22 next week, will likely pitch out of the bullpen for the Tigers in 2020.
In 130 innings last year between Class A-advanced and Double-A, Garcia posted a 4.01 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 129 strikeouts. He owns a 3.50 ERA over four minor-league seasons.
Garcia throws his fastball in the low- to mid-90's, part of a four pitch mix that has the potential to play at the big-league level.
"There's a lot to like and there's a lot of opportunity," said Tigers vice president of player development Dave Littlefield.
The pick cost the Tigers $100,000, which goes to the Yankees. Garcia must remain on Detroit's 26-man roster throughout the 2020 season or be offered back to the Yankees for $50,000.
In the minor-league portion of the draft, the Tigers drafted right-handed pitcher Ruben Garcia from the Orioles and infielder Brian Schales from the Twins.
The last time the Tigers held the top pick in the Rule 5 Draft, they took Victor Reyes in 2017. Reyes was quiet in his first season with Detroit, but found his stride last season and hit .304 over 69 games.
