The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially announced the signings of right-handed-hitting outfielders Kyle Garlick and Albert Almora to minor league deals. Both players have received invitations to participate in major league spring training.
Arizona’s pursuit of right-handed-hitting bats has been evident, aiming to complement designated hitter Joc Pederson, who bats left-handed, along with lefty outfielders Alek Thomas and Corbin Carroll. The recent signing of Randal Grichuk to a one-year, $2 million major league contract positions him as the primary candidate for this role. Nonetheless, both Garlick and Almora offer valuable options for the team’s quest to bolster its right-handed outfield depth, each bringing distinct skill sets to the table.
Garlick, aged 32, is known for his ability to excel against left-handed pitchers, making him a valuable asset as a “lefty masher.” While he may have limited defensive capabilities in the outfield corners, Garlick has demonstrated considerable power against lefties, boasting a slugging percentage of .510 against them. Throughout his career, he has amassed 14 home runs and 10 doubles in just 208 plate appearances against southpaws at the MLB level. Conversely, Garlick’s performance against right-handed pitchers has been less impressive, with a career batting line of .207/.264/.348. Notably, he has predominantly faced left-handed pitchers over the past three seasons during his tenure with the Twins organization.
On the other hand, Albert Almora, aged 29, is recognized as a defensive-oriented outfielder, prioritizing his glove skills over power hitting. While he may not possess significant power, Almora has demonstrated consistent production against left-handed pitching, with a career batting line of .267/.321/.389 in such matchups. Additionally, he boasts ample experience across all three outfield positions and is known for his above-average defensive abilities at each of these positions. Despite experiencing a decline in offensive production in recent seasons, particularly during the years 2019-2022, Almora remains a reliable option in the outfield due to his defensive prowess.
