Joshua Rico Garcia Bio
Joshua Rico Garcia is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Garcia has built a journeyman career across multiple MLB organizations since making his major league debut in 2019. He has previously played for the Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals, New York Mets, and New York Yankees. Garcia was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 30th round of the 2016 MLB Draft and has developed into a versatile pitcher capable of both starting and relieving roles throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Rico Garcia was born on January 10, 1994, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is of mixed heritage, with a Puerto Rican father and a Hawaiian mother, which later enabled him to represent Puerto Rico on the international stage. Garcia attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu, a well-known preparatory school that has produced numerous collegiate and professional athletes. During his time at Saint Louis School, Garcia developed his skills as a baseball player, laying the foundation for his future career in professional baseball.
Following high school, Garcia continued his academic and athletic career at Hawaii Pacific University, where he played college baseball for the Sharks. During his collegiate career spanning 45 starts, Garcia posted a record of 21-13 with a 3.10 earned run average. His impressive performance in college baseball demonstrated his potential as a future professional pitcher and caught the attention of MLB scouts.
Prior to turning professional, Garcia also played summer league baseball for the Kenosha Kingfish of the Northwoods League during 2014 and 2015. His stint with the Kingfish proved significant, as he became the first alumnus of that program to reach the major leagues, showcasing his steady progression through amateur baseball to the professional ranks.
Path to Professional Baseball
Garcia’s performance at Hawaii Pacific University and with the Kenosha Kingfish earned him recognition from MLB teams during the 2016 MLB Draft. The Colorado Rockies selected Garcia in the 30th round with the 890th overall pick. Being drafted by the Rockies marked the beginning of his professional journey and provided him the opportunity to pursue a career in professional baseball.
Garcia began his professional career in 2016 with the Boise Hawks of the Pioneer League. In his debut season, he appeared in nine games (eight starts) and struggled to find success, posting an 0-4 record with a 6.37 ERA over 35 and one-third innings pitched. The following season, 2017, Garcia split time between Boise and the Asheville Tourists, appearing in 16 games with 12 starts. He improved his record to 2-6 while lowering his ERA to 3.39, demonstrating his ability to adjust to professional competition.
The 2018 season represented a breakthrough for Garcia in the minor leagues. Splitting the year between the Lancaster JetHawks and Hartford Yard Goats, Garcia emerged as a reliable starting pitcher. In 27 games (26 starts), he compiled an impressive 13-9 record with a 2.96 ERA. His outstanding performance earned him multiple accolades, including selection as a MILB.com Organization All Star, a mid-season California League All Star, and a post-season California League All Star. This successful campaign positioned Garcia for his eventual promotion to the major leagues.
Joshua Rico Garcia Career
Colorado Rockies (2019)
Garcia opened the 2019 season with Hartford Yard Goats, the Rockies Double-A affiliate, where he continued to demonstrate his development as a pitcher. His strong performance prompted the Rockies to promote him to Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes on June 20, 2019. Combined between the two levels that season, Garcia went 10-6 with a 4.24 ERA over 129 and one-third innings pitched in 26 starts. He struck out 138 batters, showcasing his ability to miss bats at the minor league level.
On August 27, 2019, the Colorado Rockies selected Garcia’s contract and promoted him to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut that same night against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field. In his debut appearance, Garcia pitched five innings but struggled defensively, allowing six runs on hits. He finished the 2019 season with six innings pitched for the Rockies, marking the realization of his childhood dream of reaching the majors.
San Francisco Giants (2020)
Following the 2019 season, Garcia was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants on November 5, 2019. However, the Giants non-tendered him on December 2, 2019, making him a free agent. He subsequently re-signed with the Giants on a minor league contract during the offseason. In 2020, Garcia appeared in 10 innings of work for the Giants organization, registering a 5.40 ERA with seven strikeouts. The abbreviated season due to the COVID-19 pandemic limited his opportunities. On December 2, 2020, the Giants non-tendered Garcia again, and he re-signed on another minor league contract on December 3.
In March 2021, Garcia received significant news when it was announced he would require Tommy John surgery and would miss the entire 2021 season as a result. He underwent the procedure on March 27, 2021, a common surgery for pitchers that typically requires a lengthy recovery period. After rehabbing throughout the 2021 season, Garcia elected free agency on November 7, 2021.
Baltimore Orioles (2022)
On November 10, 2021, Garcia signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization. He was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk Tides to begin the 2022 season. On June 13, 2022, Garcia was selected to the Orioles 40-man roster to replace Keegan Akin, who could not travel to Toronto for a series against the Blue Jays due to vaccination status. In two games for the Orioles, Garcia allowed one run on three hits with one strikeout in three innings pitched.
He was removed from the 40-man roster and returned to Triple-A Norfolk on June 17, 2022. However, Garcia earned another opportunity when he was selected back to the major league roster on July 10, 2022. In six games for Baltimore, he posted a 4.50 ERA with two strikeouts in eight innings pitched. The Orioles designated Garcia for assignment on September 11, 2022, following the waiver claim of Cam Gallagher. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk on September 13. Garcia elected free agency following the season on November 10, 2022.
Oakland Athletics (2023)
On November 11, 2022, Garcia signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics. He began the 2023 season with Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, where he performed exceptionally well in a relief role. In nine appearances, Garcia logged a 2.03 ERA with 19 strikeouts and two saves in 13 and one-third innings pitched. His dominant work in the minors earned him a promotion to the major league roster on May 4, 2023.
However, Garcia struggled in his stint with Oakland, appearing in seven games and posting an 8.31 ERA with six strikeouts in eight and two-thirds innings. The Athletics designated him for assignment on July 7, 2023, following the promotion of Cody Thomas. Garcia cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas on July 10. The following day, Garcia rejected the assignment in lieu of free agency.
Washington Nationals (2023-2024)
On July 12, 2023, Garcia signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals organization. After two scoreless appearances for Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, the Nationals selected him to the major league roster on July 19, 2023. In three appearances for Washington, Garcia allowed four runs on six hits with four strikeouts in three innings pitched.
Garcia subsequently spent a month on the injured list with biceps tendinitis. Upon activation, he was released on September 1, 2023. However, on September 3, Garcia re-signed with the Nationals organization on a two-year minor league contract. He elected free agency following the 2024 season on November 4, 2024.
New York Mets (2025)
On November 6, 2024, Garcia signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets organization. With Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he made 24 appearances including two starts, logging an 0-1 record with a 4.45 ERA, 37 strikeouts, and one save across 30 and one-third innings pitched. His solid performance in the minors earned him a promotion, as the Mets selected Garcia’s contract and added him to their active roster on July 3, 2025.
Garcia made two scoreless appearances for the Mets before the team designated him for assignment on July 11, 2025.
New York Yankees (2025)
On July 14, 2025, Garcia was claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees. On July 18, 2025, he made his Yankees debut, entering the game in relief and allowing three earned runs. The following day, the Yankees designated him for assignment.
New York Mets (Second Stint, 2025)
On July 21, 2025, Garcia was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets, marking his return to the organization. In six appearances for New York, Garcia allowed three runs on six hits with 13 strikeouts over eight innings of work. On August 2, 2025, the Mets designated him for assignment once again.
Baltimore Orioles (Second Stint, 2025-Present)
On August 5, 2025, Garcia was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, returning to the organization where he had previously played in 2022. This second stint with the Orioles marked another chapter in Garcia’s journeyman career, as he sought to establish himself with a familiar organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Garcia has demonstrated the ability to generate strikeouts at an effective rate. His durability as a starting pitcher was evident during his standout 2018 minor league season when he made 26 starts and logged over 140 innings combined. His versatility has allowed him to transition between starting and relief roles as needed by various organizations. Garcia has shown the capacity to pitch effectively in different roles and against diverse lineups across multiple minor and major league environments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Garcia’s most notable minor league achievement remains his 2018 season with Lancaster JetHawks and Hartford Yard Goats, where his 13-9 record and 2.96 ERA led to multiple All-Star selections. His journey to the majors, which included becoming the first Kenosha Kingfish alumnus to reach MLB, represents a significant milestone in his career. The Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2021 tested his resilience, but Garcia demonstrated perseverance by returning to pitch professionally afterward.
Joshua Rico Garcia Career Statistics
Through June 24, 2026, Joshua Rico Garcia has appeared in 30 major league games across his career with seven different organizations. His MLB statistics reflect his journey as a pitcher who has yet to establish a permanent role in the majors, though he has continued to earn opportunities due to his minor league performance and versatility.
MLB Career Highlights
Garcia’s major league career has been characterized by brief appearances spread across multiple organizations. His most recent opportunity came with the Baltimore Orioles in 2025, where he returned after previous stints with the team in 2022. Throughout his MLB tenure, Garcia has demonstrated the ability to perform better in Triple-A environments, where he has consistently posted solid numbers in extended roles. His 96 career strikeouts in the majors represent his ability to miss bats at the highest level, though converting that success to consistent major league results has remained an ongoing challenge.
Minor League Achievements
Garcia’s most productive professional seasons have come in the minor leagues. His 2018 campaign with Lancaster and Hartford (13-9, 2.96 ERA) and his 2019 season spanning two levels (10-6, 4.24 ERA, 138 strikeouts) stand out as examples of his potential as a starting pitcher. His 2023 Triple-A performance with Las Vegas (2.03 ERA, 19 strikeouts in 13 and one-third innings) demonstrated his effectiveness in a bullpen role.
| Level | G | W-L | ERA | IP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB Career (through 2025) | 30 | 4-5 | 4.44 | 56 | 96 |
Joshua Rico Garcia Family
Family Background and International Heritage
Joshua Rico Garcia was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a Puerto Rican father and a Hawaiian mother. This dual heritage has been significant throughout his career, as it enabled him to represent Puerto Rico on the international stage. Garcia’s international baseball career saw him play for the Puerto Rico national baseball team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, continuing a tradition of Puerto Rican heritage players representing the island territory in premier international competition.
Personal Life
Garcia grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he attended Saint Louis School. He pursued higher education at Hawaii Pacific University before beginning his professional baseball career. As a professional athlete, Garcia has navigated the challenges of a journeyman career that has seen him play for eight different MLB organizations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season proved to be one of the most eventful of Garcia’s professional career. He began the year with the New York Mets organization after signing a minor league contract in November 2024. After performing well in Triple-A Syracuse, Garcia earned a promotion to the Mets major league roster on July 3, 2025. He made two scoreless appearances before being designated for assignment on July 11.
The pace of movement accelerated dramatically following his departure from New York. Garcia was claimed by the New York Yankees on July 14, made his debut on July 18 allowing three runs, and was designated for assignment the very next day. The Mets reclaimed him on July 21, and after six more appearances with 13 strikeouts in eight innings, he was designated for assignment once again on August 2. Finally, on August 5, 2025, the Baltimore Orioles claimed Garcia off waivers, returning him to the organization where he had previously played in 2022.
Garcia’s 2025 season exemplified the volatility of being a journeyman pitcher in professional baseball. Despite performing well in Triple-A and showing promise in limited major league appearances, he could not secure an extended opportunity with any single organization. His return to Baltimore presented another opportunity to establish himself with a team familiar with his abilities. The Orioles offered Garcia a chance to contribute as a reliever or spot starter, depending on team needs, as he continued working toward a more stable role in professional baseball.