Ryan Garcia may not be a household name for Texas Rangers fans, but he certainly has the potential to become one at some point in the future. Drafted in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft at No. 50 overall out of UCLA, the right-hander is ready to get to work for his new team.
While he is still focused on the season that the Bruins have put together, he couldn't be more excited to see his dream of becoming a professional baseball player come true. He still has unfinished business to attend to in college, but after that will begin focusing on his path to the big leagues.
Throughout the 2019 season with UCLA, Garcia has put up big numbers. D1Baseball.com shared his statistics, which show an impressive 10-1 record in 13 starts to go along with a 1.44 ERA and 117 strikeouts to just 26 walks. Those numbers show why the Rangers made him their second round pick.
His potential is through the roof and there is a spot waiting for him in Texas a couple years down the road for a team that needs to develop top-notch pitching.
Garcia took the time to sit down for an exclusive interview with Evan Massey of ClutchPoints.com. Plenty of topics were discussed and this is must-read material for any Rangers or MLB fan.
This kid's gonna look good in a Rangers' uniform.
Welcome, @ryan_garcia__!
#MLBDraft | #TogetherWe pic.twitter.com/3QD2y2KzxH— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) June 4, 2019
First up on the agenda was to find out how the draft process went for Garcia and how it feels to see the hard work pay off with a selection by the Rangers.
“It was unique, being that it was happening during our regional final. So I didn’t really get to experience the phone call and all that, but it was special in its own way. We won the game and I found out I was drafted 50th overall from my mom when I greeted my family after the game. Extremely excited, however, we still have unfinished business with UCLA this season.”
If you haven't had a chance to see Garcia pitch, he was happy to break down what he brings to the mound.
“I’m a pitcher with command of four pitches with deceptive low effort mechanics. Extremely competitive and eager to help my team win.”
He also was happy to tell fans what kind of guy he is when he isn't dominating on the mound.
“I'm fun to be around (at least I think I am), love video games and tech, cars are awesome, food connoisseur, and I think biomechanics, exercise, and sports are fascinating.”
At this stage of his career, Garcia seems to be locked in on his biggest strengths and weaknesses and knows what he needs to work on moving forward.
“Strengths would be my mental game and a good understanding of reading hitters and situational pitching. Things I can improve on would be my extension and incorporating my legs more in my delivery.”
Growing up, Garcia didn't have a “favorite team” in baseball, but he did have some favorite players that he enjoyed watching. He also shared when he knew he had the potential to make a run at playing professional baseball.
“I never had a favorite team, but certain players like Rangers great Nolan Ryan and Yankee legend Derek Jeter always stood out. I think my junior year of high school I had that type of potential, which was when I committed to UCLA. It gave me more confidence and credibility.”
Fans always enjoy hearing about current players that prospects compare to or have modeled their game after. Garcia does have a few pitcher that he has taken bits and pieces from.
“A few. Certain characteristics and qualities like competitiveness, off speed pitches, charisma, and pitchability from Scherzer, Kluber, Stroman, and Cole respectively.”
To young baseball players, Garcia was happy to give advice on how to help achieve their dreams of playing professional ball.
“Stick with the approach and mentality of constantly improving, no matter what area of your game it is. Get better at one thing every day. It doesn’t happen at once and it takes time to develop.”
Garcia has also set a few early goals for himself to begin his career with the Rangers.
“I think to prove myself, prove that I belong and develop an identity of becoming a major league pitcher.”
Finally, Garcia closed out the interview with a brief message to the fans that have supported him.
“Thank you for the support and Go Bruins and Go Rangers!”
The future is extremely bright for Garcia and he has the talent and mindset to go anywhere he wants. Texas got themselves a good one and the fans are going to enjoy watching him pitch for years to come.
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