New Pirates Outfielder Quietly Having Excellent Spring
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a number of significant acquisitions this offseason in second baseman Brandon Lowe, first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna.
But the first notable move made by the Pirates during the winter was trading right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo and two prospects to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for two players. One was outfielder Jhostynxon García, who is off to an excellent start during spring training.
García has appeared in six games for the Pirates during their Grapefruit League schedule and has seven hits in 13 at-bats (.538 batting average) with a team-high six runs scored. He’s also driven in three runs, stolen three bases and drawn three walks against only a pair of strikeouts.
The 23-year-old belted his first home run of the spring in the Pirates’ 6-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday afternoon. García hit a 376-foot solo home run to left field off lefty reliever JoJo Romero in the fourth inning.
García made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox last season and appeared in seven games. He recorded his first big-league hit — a double against the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 28 — and reached base three times in nine plate appearances.
The majority of Garcia’s 2025 season was spent with Triple-A Worcester, where he slashed .271/.334/.498 with 12 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 81 games. In parts of five minor-league seasons, García owns a .261/.351/.465 batting line with 67 doubles, 21 triples, 55 home runs, 209 RBI and 42 steals in 370 games across six levels.
Due to a crowded outfield in Boston, the Red Sox were able to move García this offseason despite upside as a borderline top 100 prospect.
Although he may start the season in the minor leagues for the Pirates, García will likely be one of the first players called up from Indianapolis when a position player is needed on the active roster. If he’s able to reach his potential, García could one day become an important player for the Pirates.
At the very least, one of the newest Pirates is making a good first impression.
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This kid has shown off the whole package this spring. Hit, power, run, field, throw. He’s an excellent baserunner. He has an outfield assist. I’m not saying he should make the opening day roster, but he will be along in short order.
The hype around Griffin is crazy. I am not sure he is ready, but he probably is as good as whoever we will have at SS or on the bench. Article on KG “Griffin continues his hot spring”….. he is batting .214. The glove will play, he may not hit for a big average and for a lot of power, but he may hit for one of the two. 2027 may be lost also, so i don’t want to wait two years for him to play in the bigs. I don’t know if he will be a perennial All-Star or just a player, but my guess is he is a good ball player. So strike now, let him start as SS on Opening Day. Go for the extra draft pick. Sell some tickets and let’s see what happens in the fall. LET’S GO BUCS!!!
What about Garcia? That’s who the article is about….
Yes, I actually was referring to Garcia. He is impressive.
At this point in time, we have seen a small sample of what the top prospects can do. Let’s not forget they’re playing against veterans trying to get into shape and minor leaguers. But I do like what I see. I think that the veterans should start the season and then bring up our top prospects perhaps in May. From what I see, look at cubbies and reds the Pirates are coming.