SF Giants Just Signed a $90.5 million Deal With Red Sox veteran reliever, Considering a Complicated…
The SF Giants bolstered the organization’s pinch-hitting depth by adding a veteran reliever. According to KPRC 2’s Ari Alexander, the Giants have signed former Boston Red Sox pitcher and Cleveland Guardian Justin Garza. Alexander notes that Garza is on a minor league basis, indicating he will not be included. for a spot in the opening day rotation. However, the Giants could call him up from minor league camp if necessary. Garza was originally an eighth-round pick of the Rangers in the 2015 draft out of California State University Fullerton. He was drafted as a starting pitcher, but has been moved in recent years due to below average team management. In seven minor league seasons, he has a 4.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 8.9 K/9 and SO/W. 2.16 ERA. That includes a 3.98 ERA over parts of five seasons in Triple-A, but that performance has yet to translate to success in the big leagues.The righty has a 5.74 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 30 walks in two seasons. with the Guardians. and with the Red Socks. His last appearance in the majors came in 2023 with Boston, so he has recent experience with major league hitters. On the mound, Garzal is a mid-90s sinker with a cutter, slider and changeup. . The slugging rate is promising, but opponents have no problem raising it, and he doesn’t have above-average improvement in his secondary offerings. Of course, the 29-year-old has two minor league options. . That could have value for the Giants if he is added to the 40-man roster at some point. The Giants’ 40-man roster lacks experience, so Garza could be a more experienced option. That’s a discussion for another day, as Garza will likely start the 2024 season at Triple-A. Even if he doesn’t make the Giants’ roster this season, he’s still had recent success in Triple-A and could help the Sacramento River Cats’ roster, which is projected to be young with several of the team’s top prospects..
