Kansas City Royals: Getting to know undrafted free agent signings
By Cody Rickman
Saul Garza, Catcher (22-years-old)
Saul Garza is a 6’3”, 227 pound catcher from LSU. He ranked #379 on Baseball America 500. Garza hit 23 home runs in his lone season at Howard College in 2018 before signing with LSU. In two years at LSU, Garza hit in the middle of the order with a .285/.349/.477 slash line.
Garza began his career with LSU rehabbing from a knee injury he suffered at Howard College, which makes his 23 performance all the more stunning when you take into account, he missed a month with the injury.
He started off slowly at the plate for LSU and looked overmatched, but made adjustments with his pitch recognition and balance. Garza’s hand strength and bat speed are plus and allow him explode on the ball as it enters the zone.
Garza has some of the best work ethic make-up in the prospect pool. He has transformed his body in his senior year of high school shedding nearly 30 lbs.
"“The changes to his body precipitated a monster senior season at and behind the plate. He hit .530 during his senior year to earn District MVP honors and was named to the high school National team by the National High School Coaches Association for Region 6.”"
Garza has worked hard with his swing and defense behind the plate for LSU. There is still more work to be done and he may find himself at first base in the long-run. His bat is his carrying tool. As Garza continues to get more at-bats against advance pitching, he should continue to improve at the plate. There is plus power and an above average hit tool.
Garza could be a .260 hitting with 23-27 HRs per year if he continues his hard work.