This is one in a series breaking down players on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 40-man roster.
The first notable move for the Pirates this offseason was acquiring Jhostynxon García in a five-player swap that sent right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox.
García made his MLB debut with the Red Sox last season and appeared in five games. He recorded the first hit of his career — a double on Aug. 28 — against the Baltimore Orioles.
García began the season with Double-A Portland, where he slashed .256/.355/.393 with five doubles, a triple, three home runs, 17 RBI and four stolen bases in 33 games. Boston promoted García to Triple-A Worcester during the season, and he carried a .271/.334/.498 batting line with 12 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 81 games.
García’s entire professional career has been spent in the Red Sox organization after he signed as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela in 2019.
Across five minor-league seasons, the 23-year-old owns a .261/.351/.465 batting line with 67 doubles, 21 triples, 55 home runs and 209 RBI in 370 games.
García currently ranks as baseball’s 85th-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, giving the Pirates six players in the top 100.
García’s most appealing attribute is his above-average power, which is something the Pirates desperately need in 2026 after finishing last in baseball in home runs and slugging percentage a year ago. Although García’s power comes with some swing and miss and chase concerns, it’s a worthwhile gamble for the Pirates.
Defensively, García has spent the majority of his time in center field but has also played both corners. He’s considered an adequate defender with a plus arm. Considering center field and right field will be manned by Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, respectively, when García sees time in Pittsburgh it should mostly come in left field.
García could start the season as a depth piece in Triple-A Indianapolis or could be part of a platoon with Jake Mangum, who was acquired by the Pirates from the Tampa Bay Rays last month.
The Pirates will have to see how he looks this spring and decide if he’ll be better used in a part-time role in the Majors or getting everyday reps at Triple-A.
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