In a figurative sense, Rico Garcia came out of nowhere (he had received zero PuRPs votes before the midseason 2018 list) to leap into prospect status in 2018, representing one of the best surprises of the year for a system that needed it. Literally though, Garcia came out of Hawaii Pacific as a 30th round pick in 2016 (for more on Garcia’s story as well as his arsenal and quotes from the man himself, please check out this May 2018 Purple Row feature by contributor oneforthreewithawalk)
Mid-season Ranking: HM
High Ballot: 11
Mode Ballot: 20
Future Value: 35+, back-end starter/long man
Contract Status: 2016 30th Round, not Rule 5 Eligible, three options remaining
MLB ETA: 2020
The 5’11” righty starter was assigned immediately to Boise, where he failed to distinguish himself in the pitcher-friendly Northwest League despite a 8.