Pirates Finalize Deal With Jarlín García, DFA Bryse Wilson

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free agent left-handed reliever Jarlín García to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million that includes a $3.25-million club option for 2024 on Wednesday night.

In a corresponding move, the Pirates designated righty Bryse Wilson for assignment. 

García, 29, signed with the Marlins as an international free agent in 2010, and debuted with the club in 2017. 

Nicknamed “The Elephant,” García holds a 17-15 record across six big league seasons with the Marlins and Giants, pitching to a 3.61 ERA. García doesn’t have swing-and-miss stuff, averaging 7.24 strikeouts per 9 innings. His ground ball rate hovers around league average, at 41.6%, and with a career FIP of 4.44, he’s relied on strong defense to this point. 

García throws three pitches: a fastball averaging 94 mph, an 85 mph changeup and an 83 mph slider.

The Pirates have largely avoided left-handed pitching in recent years. General Manager Ben Cherington said in a press release that he wants that to change.

“Signing Jarlín is part of our overall goal of adding left-handed pitching this offseason,” Cherington said. “Jarlín has been a steady performer in the big leagues, and we believe he’ll complement our bullpen group nicely.”