Justin Charles Garza Bio
Justin Charles Garza is an American professional baseball pitcher who has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. Born on March 20, 1994, in Ontario, California, Garza established himself as a standout pitcher through his collegiate career at Cal State Fullerton before being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2015. He made his MLB debut with the Cleveland franchise in June 2021 and has since appeared with multiple major league organizations.
Early Life and Background
Garza grew up in Ontario, California, and attended Bonita High School where he developed into an elite pitching prospect. As a senior, he delivered an exceptional performance that earned him recognition as a high school All-American by Baseball America. On the mound, Garza posted a remarkable 12-1 record with a stellar 0.72 earned run average and 101 strikeouts across 88 innings pitched. His dominant high school career caught the attention of professional scouts.
Following his graduation, Garza elected to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level. He enrolled at California State University, Fullerton, where he joined the Cal State Fullerton Titans baseball program. His three seasons with the Titans helped refine his skills against higher competition and positioned him for professional baseball.
Path to Professional Baseball
Garza’s impressive amateur performances made him a sought-after prospect in the 2012 MLB Draft. The Cleveland Indians selected him in the 26th round, but Garza chose to honor his commitment to Cal State Fullerton rather than signing his first professional contract. This decision allowed him to further develop his craft at the collegiate level.
After three seasons with the Titans, Garza entered the 2015 MLB Draft where the Cleveland Indians selected him for a second time, this time in the eighth round. He signed with the organization and began his professional career. Prior to joining professional baseball, Garza underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, which cut his junior season short at Fullerton.
Justin Charles Garza Career
Minor League Development (2015-2020)
Upon signing with the Cleveland Indians in 2015, Garza spent much of his first two professional seasons rehabbing from his elbow surgery. He was assigned to the Arizona League Indians near the end of the 2016 season to begin his competitive professional career. In 2017, Garza pitched for the Single-A Lake County Captains where he appeared in 26 games, compiling a 4-6 record with a 5.83 ERA.
The 2018 season saw Garza advance through two levels of the minor leagues. He split the year between the Low-A Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the High-A Lynchburg Hillcats of the Carolina League. Between both teams, he logged a combined 5-6 record with a 3.36 ERA in 18 appearances. The following year in 2019, Garza returned to Lynchburg and posted a 6-9 record with a 4.99 ERA and 109 strikeouts across 119 innings. The 2020 season was lost entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which cancelled the minor league schedule.
Cleveland Indians Breakthrough (2021)
Garza began the 2021 season with the Double-A Akron RubberDucks before earning a promotion to the Triple-A Columbus Clippers after just one appearance. His performance at the Triple-A level proved exceptional, as he recorded a 0.44 ERA with 28 strikeouts across 12 games. These numbers earned him a call-up to the major leagues.
The Indians selected Garza’s contract and promoted him to the active roster on June 24, 2021. He made his MLB debut three days later on June 27, entering the game in relief against the Minnesota Twins. Garza pitched 2 and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts in an 8-2 loss. He earned his first career major league win on July 31, delivering two scoreless innings of relief in a 12-11 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Garza appeared in 18 games for Cleveland that season before being designated for assignment in November.
Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox (2023)
On December 12, 2022, Garza signed a one-year major league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He began the 2023 season with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, where he made six appearances with a 4.32 ERA before being designated for assignment in April. The Boston Red Sox claimed him off waivers on April 28, 2023, and optioned him to Triple-A Worcester.
Garza was added to Boston’s active roster on May 16, 2023. He appeared in 17 games for the Red Sox, struggling to a 7.36 ERA with 17 strikeouts across 18 and one-third innings. Following the season, Boston removed him from the 40-man roster and outrighted him to Triple-A Worcester. Garza rejected the assignment and elected free agency on November 6, 2023.
San Francisco Giants and New York Mets (2024-2025)
On March 7, 2024, Garza signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. He spent the season split between the Single-A San Jose Giants and Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, combining for a 5-2 record with a 3.60 ERA, 63 strikeouts, and four saves across 39 appearances. He re-signed with the Giants on a minor league deal that November and began 2025 with Sacramento.
The New York Mets acquired Garza from the Giants on June 7, 2025, in exchange for cash considerations. Two days later, they selected his contract and added him to their active roster. Garza appeared in five games for the Mets, recording a 5.40 ERA with three strikeouts across six and two-thirds innings. New York designated him for assignment on September 7, and he elected free agency after clearing waivers on September 9, 2025.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Garza has built his professional career as a relief pitcher, demonstrating the ability to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen. His minor league track record shows consistency across various levels, with particular success at the Triple-A level where he has recorded multiple saves. His ability to generate strikeouts has remained a constant throughout his professional career.
Notable Career Milestones
Garza’s most significant career milestone remains his MLB debut on June 27, 2021, against the Minnesota Twins. His first career victory on July 31, 2021, against the Chicago White Sox represented another important moment in his professional journey. The trade to the New York Mets in June 2025 marked his return to major league action after a stint in the minor leagues with San Francisco.
Justin Charles Garza Career Statistics
Garza has appeared in 40 major league games across three seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. His career totals reflect the performance of a middle-relief pitcher still developing at the highest level.
MLB Career Highlights
Across his MLB career spanning 2021 through 2025, Garza has compiled a 2-3 win-loss record with a 5.70 ERA and 49 strikeouts. His first career win came in July 2021 with Cleveland. He has appeared in relief roles with multiple organizations, demonstrating versatility as a bullpen arm.
Minor League Achievements
In the minor leagues, Garza has shown more consistent success, particularly during his 2021 Triple-A campaign with Columbus where he posted a 0.44 ERA. His 2024 season with San Francisco and Sacramento resulted in a combined 5-2 record with a 3.60 ERA and four saves across 39 appearances.
| Level | Games | W-L | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB (Career) | 40 | 2-3 | 5.70 | 49 |
Justin Charles Garza Family
Public information regarding Justin Garza’s family background, including his parents or family lineage in baseball, is not widely available. He maintains an Instagram profile but keeps his personal life private.
Personal Life
Garza graduated from Bonita High School in Ontario, California, before attending Cal State Fullerton. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been made publicly available. He continues to reside in the United States and maintains an active presence on social media.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a mix of minor league and major league action for Garza. He began the year with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, where he recorded a 1-2 record with a 6.11 ERA and six saves across 17 and two-thirds innings. His performance earned him an opportunity with a major league club.
The New York Mets acquired Garza on June 7, 2025, adding him to their active roster two days later. He appeared in five games for the Mets before being designated for assignment in early September. Following his release from New York, Garza elected free agency and became available to sign with any organization. His career path demonstrates the journeyman nature of professional baseball, having now played for six different organizations across his career.