Talented 21-year-old infielder Luis Garcia remains worthy of being regarded as one of the Phillies' top prospects.
After the team signed Garcia for a reported $2.5 million (second highest international signing in Phils history) in July of 2017, Garcia participated in the Florida Instructional League as a 16-year-old later that year.
The Dominican Republic native would make his official professional debut in 2018. In the short-season Rookie level Gulf Coast League, Garcia led the league in batting average with a .369 mark. Additionally, he posted a .433 on-base percentage with an impressive .921 OPS.
The five-foot-11 175-pounder was named to the GCL’s post-season All-Star roster and was rated by Baseball America as the best prospect in the GCL at the time he played there.
In 2019 Garcia played the entire season with Class A Lakewood at the age of 18. There, he would struggle considerably at the plate. In 127 games he tallied a .186 batting average with 14 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 36 RBI.
The cancelled 2020 season resulted in Garcia missing a year of development, though he did participate in the Fall Instructional League. He also stayed busy working out in his native DR and added some upper body muscle tone during his down time.
Additional strength was evident last year for the switch-hitter, as he displayed increased power. Combined at Class A Clearwater and Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, Garcia more than doubled his career home run total, mashing 13 round-trippers. In 103 total contests in 2021, he notched a .243 average with a .353 OBP, 15 stolen bases and 50 RBI.
Defensively, Garcia possesses an accurate, plus arm, solid range and quick feet. A smooth fielder, he played the majority of the time as a shortstop last year but also played 34 games at second base.
At the plate, Garcia displays a mature approach with remarkable bat speed. He also showed improvements with his walk rate and strike out rate last season.
Garcia is quick and could become a steady stolen base threat. His 71% success rate with steal attempts in 2021 should be on the rise as he reaches higher levels of the sport.
Phils developmental coaches have noticed that Garcia, even at a young age, stands out as a leader, primarily among his fellow Latin players.
The ceiling for the man known as "El Flow" seems promising as he stands out as a bright, exciting youngster that Phillies fans should keep their eyes on. Look for Garcia to see action at the Double-A level this coming season.
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