Detroit Tigers: A look ahead to the 2019 Hall of Fame Ballot

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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 05: Freddy Garcia #36 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 5, 2012 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Freddy Garcia

The most diehard Detroit Tigers fans may remember that right-hander Freddy Garcia made three starts for the Detroit Tigers during the 2008 season. Garcia finished the 2007 season with the Phillies. He didn’t catch on with anyone in 2008 until the Tigers signed him on August 12. He made three starts with Detroit, going 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA and a 12/6 K/BB ratio.

If Garcia does make the Hall of Fame, it’s safe to say he won’t be wearing a Tigers hat. However, his odds of getting a plaque in Cooperstown are, shall we say, slim.

Across 15 big league seasons, the Chief went 156-108 with a 4.15 ERA and 1,621 strikeouts. He finished with a 107 ERA+ and a bWAR of 34.5. He was known primarily for his time on the Mariners, where he pitched for six years and made two All-Star games. He also won an ERA title in 2001, with a 3.05 mark.

Overall, Garcia’s career output is about half of what is needed to make it into Cooperstown as a starting pitcher. He had a fine career and was at times one of the better starting pitchers in baseball. But his time on the ballot, like his time on the Tigers, will be short-lived.

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