Yhoswar Garcia Looks As Good As Advertised

The Drone has finally landed stateside, and the Phillies love what they see.

“The reports were spot-on,” Phillies farm director Josh Bonifay said. “He’s a very exciting player.”

Yhoswar Garcia earned his high-flying nickname back home in Venezuela because of his athleticism and ability to run down any ball in center field. 

The Phillies struck a deal with Garcia for $2.5 million in the summer of 2019 but had to wait a year to officially sign him because of an age discrepancy. The coronavirus pandemic pushed Garcia’s introduction back another year, but he’s done nothing but impress since his arrival this spring in Clearwater, Fla.

Garcia is 6-foot, 150 pounds and has shown an array of tools in extended spring training. He awaits an assignment to either the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League or Low-A in June.

“He’s been fantastic,” Bonifay said. “He hit a home run to dead center in one of his first at-bats in extended. He’s a high-energy player with bat speed and lightning-quick hands.

“He’s fearless, aggressive, not afraid to show what he can do. He wants to be the best player on the field and that passion shows in his play.” 

Garcia, who will turn 20 in September, is “wiry-strong,” according to Bonifay, with room to get stronger. He projects as a speedy leadoff man with pop, and his bat control and willingness to take a walk have impressed team officials.

The Phillies kept in contact with Garcia during the hiatus, and he followed training guidelines perfectly in his workouts at home. Garcia sent videos back to team officials. Now they’re getting a taste of the real thing.

“It’s really fun to watch,” Bonifay said.