The Royals introduced they’ve acquired minor league reliever Natanael Garabitos from the Mariners. He’s the participant to be named later to finish the January trade that despatched infielder Samad Taylor to Seattle.
Garabitos, 23, signed with the Mariners as an beginner out of the Dominican Republic again in 2019. He has pitched within the decrease ranges of the minor leagues since coming into professional ball. Garabitos has posted huge strikeout numbers however walked far too many hitters. That continued at Low-A Modesto in 2023, the place he issued free passes to 17.3% of opponents. The 6’0″ righty struck out 30.2% of batters confronted whereas permitting 4.02 earned runs per 9 by way of 40 1/3 innings.
Final spring, Eric Longenhagen of FanGraphs listed Garabitos as an honorable point out in his write-up of the Seattle farm system. Longenhagen famous that Garabitos averages round 96 MPH together with his fastball however understandably panned his management. He’s a lottery ticket addition to the decrease ranges of the Kansas Metropolis system.
Taylor is making an attempt to seize a utility spot with the Mariners. He has appeared in 11 Spring Coaching contests, hitting .269/.286/.500 over 28 plate appearances. He has hit two homers with six strikeouts and one stroll.
