Chicago Cubs: Robel Garcia is making his presence felt in 2019

The Chicago Cubs continue to work their way into a stronger farm system. While it has not reached its full potential, there is one young star who is making his presence known for years to come.

As has become the case in previous weeks, continuing the deep dive into our Chicago Cubs lesser known minor league players is essential. While the current major league club does have a stout lineup with tons of talent, there is always the waiting game being played for the future stars to help in any way possible.

For the Chicago Cubs, that time is now. At least that is what the chaotic mind would want everyone to think. In reality, this is not the case. The team has won seven in a row and currently sits exactly one-half game ahead of division rival St. Louis Cardinals.

The future is no doubt important. The future is what helps to separate the competition. In a debatable state of limbo, the future of the Cubs’ second base slot continues to be the hot topic for the team. As it is realistic that Robel Garcia does not affect the outcome currently, there is a chance down the line he will be the heir to the second base throne.

A less than exciting beginning

Enjoying his start back in 2010, Garcia began with the Cleveland Indians. He spent four seasons in Cleveland’s farm system before ultimately moving on to the Cubs’ organization. The rest, as they say, is history.

Maybe not all history, but close. I am only kidding. As a part of the Indians Rookie level, Garcia slashed only .164/.328/.286 with a .305 wOBA and 87 wRC+. The following season, Garcia got hot and finished by slashing .284/.371/.544 with a .402 wOBA and 131 wRC+.

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Despite that exciting line, in year three Garcia took an unfortunate step back by slashing a meager .227/.312/.293. He saw a decrease in power and finished without a home run, a sad step back from the year prior when he finished with six.

During his time with the Indians, there was not a lot of big fly’s. By the beginning of this season, there was only fifteen total home runs Garcia had finished with between 2010 and now. Garcia had also failed to post at least 30 RBI in each of his seasons; however, do not let it deter you. The future was only beginning for Garcia.

Putting it all together for the Windy City

Following his time with the Indians for a few years, and a brief hiatus to Italy to play in their baseball league, Garcia stayed true to his roots and returned to Major League Baseball and, ultimately, the Chicago Cubs.

Garcia has played just 19 total games for the Tennessee Smokies, yet is already beginning to carry himself as a true leader and producer for the squad. Across those games and plethora of plate appearances, Garcia is currently slashing .328/.418/.672 with a .488 wOBA and 210 wRC+.

The power has been in full display as well, as Garcia has now hit six home runs, something nobody expected with his idealistic zero home run number. The strikeouts remain very similar while Garcia’s ISO is sitting at a more than healthy .328.

The future is now

The Chicago Cubs have an outstanding team, currently in first place and ready to face any challenge they deem necessary. While there is much speculation as to who will take the heir to that throne, the teams should be looking at Garcia as their option of the future type.

With the recent power surge, as well as the improvement in many other categories, Garcia is priming himself for a spot with Iowa and beyond. He has smoked the minor league competition in the last week, slashing .360/.484/.640 with a 1.114 OPS and a couple of home runs.

As far as this crop of prospects is concerned, Garcia is one of the more interesting and exciting ones for fans to keep a constant watch on moving forward. If he can continue to produce at these numbers at which he is delivering now, it is a high chance the young kid from the Dominican Republic is making his name known once and for all.