CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox announced Sunday that they have acquired infielder Leury Garcia from the Texas Rangers as the player to be named later in Friday’s trade that cost them Alex Rios and cash considerations.
The White Sox had agreed to acquiring Garcia at the time of Friday’s trade, but he first had to clear waivers for the deal to be complete. In the deal, the White Sox also shed approximately $16 million in salary that was due to Rios through next season.
Garcia, who has 25 games of major league experience, all with the Rangers this year, was hitting .264 with four home runs, 19 RBIs, 12 steals and 31 runs scored this season in 47 games at Triple-A Round Rock. He was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.
"There’s little question he’s ready defensively to contribute at the big league level," general manager Rick Hahn said. "His bat has to fully develop. Speed may well be his best tool. He’s a plus-plus runner, plus arm and defensive player, switch hitter, and has the positive of his versatility. Even if the bat doesn’t quite develop to reach his maximum upside, he has some value on big league club. Then it would be about figuring out the best way to use it."
The native of Santiago in the Dominican Republic entered the season as the 20th best prospect in the Rangers organization according to Baseball America, and was ranked as the farm system’s fastest base runner and best infield arm.
He made the Rangers’ Opening Day roster out of spring training, making nine starts at second base, two at shortstop and two more at third base. He batted just .192 with eight runs scored before he was optioned back to Round Rock.
In the minor leagues, Garcia has played 400 games at shortstop, 48 at second base and 14 in center field.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder has stolen 30 bases in each of the previous three minor league seasons and has been successful on 78.3 percent (155-of-198) of his steal attempts in the minor leagues.
Garcia is at least expected to be called up when rosters expand on Sept. 1.
"We’ll give him a chance to play every day, do things offensively and we'll work with him on making adjustments," Hahn said. "If the need arises, he’ll be here before Sept. 1."