Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: RHP Yimi Garcia

Coming off a career-year during the shortened 2020 season, Yimi Garcia entered the 2021 campaign cemented as the Miami Marlins closer. Filling a full-time closing role for the first time in his seven-year MLB career, Garcia saw success with the Marlins this season before being traded to the Houston Astros at the 2021 MLB Trade Deadline.

Miami Marlins 2021 Season Review: RHP Yimi Garcia

Despite taking the loss while allowing one run on Opening Day, Garcia would begin the 2021 campaign on a strong-note allowing only three runs across his first 12.1 innings pitched of the season with four saves.

That success would carry over into the month of May in which Garcia would post arguably his best stretch of the season. Across the month of May, the right-hander would post a phenomenal 0.96 ERA across nine appearances which included five saves, two walks, and 13 strikeouts.

Garcia would however struggle in his first outing in June allowing three earned runs across 0.1 innings, and that would continue as the right-hander posted a 5.40 ERA across 8.1 innings pitched. Garcia would also see similar struggles during July, and as mentioned previously would be traded to Houston at the July 30th deadline.

The veteran reliever would make a total of 39 appearances for the Marlins during the 2021 season where he pitched a total of 36.1 innings. Across those four months with Miami, Garcia would post a combined 3-7 record with a 3.47 ERA and 1.211 WHIP, which also included 13 walks, 35 strikeouts, and a career-high 15 saves.

Garcia would also allow a total of 31 hits and 14 earned runs, as well as opponents slashing .233/.300/.429 against with the Marlins this season, the second highest slash-line against of his career. Garcia’s 3.2 BB/9 was also one of the highest of his career with the Marlins this season, as well as his 8.7 K/9 being his lowest since 2018.

While the veteran right-hander did struggle at times during the 2021 campaign, Garcia did enjoy success with the Marlins as well, in-particular across the first-half of the season. A free agent at seasons end, could Garcia possibly return to the Marlins in 2022?