Leading the Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies in home runs (4), RBI (16), slugging percentage (.806) and on-base plus slugging (1.206), Team Italy slugger Robel Garcia is currently third in batting average (.323). Playing second and third base defensively, the 26-year-old infielder is making his second attempt to break into MLB after signing with the Cleveland Indians as a free agent in 2010 and playing in the Tribe’s minor league system until 2014.

Good things happened when Robel Garcia traveled to the Phoenix, Arizona area to participate in a two-week camp with Team Italy and played in anInstructional League Exhibition Seriesagainst MLB prospects in early October. His excellent play at shortstop and his big bat at the plate were noticed by scouts attending the games. The Chicago Cubs liked what they saw and offered Robel Garcia a minor league contract on October 31, 2018.