Editors Note: This is the latest player profile in our 40-man breakdown series that we have started here at the Nats Report. Check our other player profiles.

Robert Garcia

• Position: Left-Handed Relief Pitcher
• Current Status: Pre-Arb, Arb-eligible in 2027, and a free agent in 2030
• How Acquired: Claimed off waivers from Miami Marlins.
• 2023 Grade: B+
• 2024 Opening Day Projection: Left-handed middle relief for Washington Nationals
• 2023 stats: 25 G | 0 GS | 33.1 IP | 3.66 ERA | 33 SO | 11 BB | 3 HR | 13 ER | 0.4 bWAR | 0.6 fWAR

2023 Analysis: After the Miami Marlins lost relief pitcher Robert Garcia on waivers, the Washington Nationals quickly claimed him for their bullpen. Garcia was an effective player last season, with a strikeout rate of 26 percent. In addition, he has only allowed three home runs, demonstrating his skill in keeping the ball in the park. This is an immense help, and he goes a step further by allowing  an average exit velocity of 85.1 mph.

With the Nationals, his ERA was 3.69, resulting in two wins and two losses. Despite joining the Nationals towards the end of the season, he garnered a great deal of positive attention for his outstanding performance on the mound. Upon viewing his highlights on MLB film room, you'll notice one standout performance where he pitched two scoreless innings and another that showcases his remarkable ability to assist the Nationals in tight situations during extra-inning games.

The Nationals made a wise move by bringing in left-hander Robert Garcia towards the end of the season. He proved to be a valuable addition to the team's bullpen, which was predominantly right-handed. His presence added a new dimension and helped to balance out the pitching options. This decision was a positive step towards strengthening the team's overall performance for the back end of the 2023 season.

2024 Outlook: Robert Garcia's performance during the 2024 spring training season has been less than ideal, with an ERA of 6.00. However, it's important to remember that these numbers are only a starting point, and they may not be indicative of his true performance during the regular season. In terms of his role on the team, it's still unclear whether Garcia will primarily serve as a middle reliever or if he'll be called upon to close games as well.

As he's a left-handed pitcher for the Nationals, his importance to the team cannot be underestimated. Therefore, fans must pay close attention to his progress throughout the season, particularly whether he manages to limit the number of home runs he gives up and keeps his overall earned runs at a reasonable level during the first two months of the season.

It's difficult to predict exactly how Garcia's season will unfold, but there are certainly many factors to consider. While there may be some challenges for him to overcome, such as the possibility of being sent down to Triple-A at some point during the season, I'm confident that he has the talent and dedication to succeed. In fact, I believe that he may have his best performance of the first half of the season on June 3rd when the Nationals face off against the Cleveland Guardians.