Rangers claim backup catcher Aramis Garcia
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers added to their catching depth by claiming Aramis Garcia off waivers from the Giants on Wednesday. The move gives the Rangers 39 players on their 40-man roster.
Garcia is the first catcher added by the Rangers who could be a backup behind Jose Trevino next season. That would allow the Rangers to have Sam Huff begin the season in the Minor Leagues.
Garcia, 27, was designated for assignment by the Giants last week after missing all of the 2020 season. He underwent surgery last February on his right hip labrum and spent most of the season rehabbing at the GiantsĄŻ Spring Training complex in Scottsdale, Ariz. He is expected to be at full strength for Spring Training.
Garcia, the Giants' second-round pick in 2014 out of Florida International University, was in line to be their backup behind Buster Posey in '20 until the injury. He spent most of '19 at Triple-A Sacramento, hitting .271/.343/.488 in 89 games with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs.
He played in 37 games for the Giants in 2018-19, hitting .248/.309/.396. Garcia can also play first base, giving him some versatility that the Rangers value.