Former Yankees Elite Prospect Surprisingly DFA'd After Tumultuous Stint With Club

New York designated a former top pitching prospect for assignment Monday

Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees made a surprising move Monday.

New York activated Jonathan Loáisiga from the 60-day injured list and to make room on the active roster designated former elite prospect Deivi García for assignment, according to the club. 

"Prior to (Monday's) game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Returned from rehab and reinstated RHP Jonathan Loáisiga (#43) from the 60-day injured list," the club said on Twitter. "Placed LHP Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. Recalled LHP Nick Ramirez (#63) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Designated RHP Deivi García for assignment."

At one point it seemed like García was poised to play a major role in the organization for the foreseeable future but things never seemed to pan out. At one point, García was the No. 3 prospect in the Yankees' farm system and seemed like he eventually would nab a spot in the club's starting rotation. 

García began his professional career in 2016 as a 17-year-old for the Yankees' Dominican Summer League club. The young hurler impressed in the minor leagues and quickly worked his way up New York's farm system. García was the Yankees' No. 3 prospect entering the 2020 campaign and he made his big league debut the same year. The righty made six starts for New York in 2020 and compiled a 4.98 ERA. Since the end of the 2020 campaign, García has bounced around between the big league club and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. 

The 24-year-old made two appearances with the Yankees in 2024 and allowed just one earned run across 5 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen but was designated for assignment Monday. Clubs will have one week to place a waiver claim on the former top prospect and if no team does so, then he could either become a free agent or return to the minor leagues. It's unclear what will happen, but hopefully, García can bounce back wherever he pitches next.